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Duad #1
Double Threat
Double Threat is a new stand-alone thriller from New York Times bestselling author F. Paul Wilson.
Daley has a problem. Her 26-year life so far has been unconventional, to say the least, but now she's got this voice in her head. It claims to be a separate entity that's going to be sharing her body from now on. At first she thinks she's gone schizophrenic, then considers the possibility that maybe she really has been invaded - but by what? Medical tests turn up nothing, yet the voice persists... and won't stop talking!
When she finally accepts the reality that she has a symbiont, she discovers that together they can cure people of the incurable.
Maybe hosting a symbiont isn't such a bad thing.
She retreats to a remote town in the southwest desert to hone her healing skills. But there she runs afoul of the Pendry clan, leaders of an obscure cult that worships the Visitors who inhabited the area millions of years ago. They plan to bring them back but believe Daley is the prophesied "Duad" who will undo all the cult's efforts. She must be eliminated.
You know things are bad when the voice in your head is the only one you can trust.
Daley has a problem. Her 26-year life so far has been unconventional, to say the least, but now she's got this voice in her head. It claims to be a separate entity that's going to be sharing her body from now on. At first she thinks she's gone schizophrenic, then considers the possibility that maybe she really has been invaded - but by what? Medical tests turn up nothing, yet the voice persists... and won't stop talking!
When she finally accepts the reality that she has a symbiont, she discovers that together they can cure people of the incurable.
Maybe hosting a symbiont isn't such a bad thing.
She retreats to a remote town in the southwest desert to hone her healing skills. But there she runs afoul of the Pendry clan, leaders of an obscure cult that worships the Visitors who inhabited the area millions of years ago. They plan to bring them back but believe Daley is the prophesied "Duad" who will undo all the cult's efforts. She must be eliminated.
You know things are bad when the voice in your head is the only one you can trust.
384 pages, Hardcover
Published June 29, 2021
100 people are currently reading
499 people want to read
About the author
F. Paul Wilson
424 books1,999 followersFrancis Paul Wilson is an author, born in Jersey City, New Jersey. He writes novels and short stories primarily in the science fiction and horror genres. His debut novel was Healer (1976). Wilson is also a part-time practicing family physician. He made his first sales in 1970 to Analog and continued to write science fiction throughout the seventies. In 1981 he ventured into the horror genre with the international bestseller, The Keep, and helped define the field throughout the rest of the decade. In the 1990s he became a true genre hopper, moving from science fiction to horror to medical thrillers and branching into interactive scripting for Disney Interactive and other multimedia companies. He, along with Matthew J. Costello, created and scripted FTL Newsfeed which ran daily on the Sci-Fi Channel from 1992-1996.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/fpaulw...
http://us.macmillan.com/author/fpaulw...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
August 8, 2021
Daley was raised by her family of grifters. She has broken away from them, but she still makes her living as a scam artist. While hiding out in a cave she is attacked by who knows what, but whatever it was it has left her with a voice in her head that will not go away. Only she can hear (and sometimes see) him. He is a symbiont who gives himself the name Pard. It turns out that Pard is able to cure certain ailments in Daley, and in people Daley touches. With the help of a Native American woman, Daley and Pard set up in a small town and go into the curing business. Unfortunately, the town is run by a very strange cult that isn’t happy to have her there.
The blurb for this book says that it is a standalone. That is not exactly true. This book ends with a giant cliffhanger and there are many unanswered questions. Daley still has to deal with the cult, her family who won’t let her go, a spreading illness and possibly a new boyfriend. It is obviously the first book of at least a duology and maybe a series. I definitely want to read whatever comes next. The plot is original, the writing is fast paced and both Daley and Pard are fun characters - intelligent, witty and sarcastic. I listened to the audiobook which has three narrators. All of them are good, but the man who voiced Pard was exceptional. His was the perfect voice to have in one’s head. 4.5 stars
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the publisher.
The blurb for this book says that it is a standalone. That is not exactly true. This book ends with a giant cliffhanger and there are many unanswered questions. Daley still has to deal with the cult, her family who won’t let her go, a spreading illness and possibly a new boyfriend. It is obviously the first book of at least a duology and maybe a series. I definitely want to read whatever comes next. The plot is original, the writing is fast paced and both Daley and Pard are fun characters - intelligent, witty and sarcastic. I listened to the audiobook which has three narrators. All of them are good, but the man who voiced Pard was exceptional. His was the perfect voice to have in one’s head. 4.5 stars
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the publisher.
July 31, 2024
Double Threat
By F. Paul Wilson
This didn't take long to really grab me and hold my attention tight! It starts with a gal going into a cave and something landing on her head, and she can't get it off. It pierces her skin, and she blacks out. She wakes hours later, and the parasite comes off easily and appears dead. Now she finds she isn't alone in her head!
Super interesting and entertaining story. Crazy situations with people trying to kill her for multiple reasons.
Her new partner in her head can also heal some people and can also heal her! Definitely want to read the next book!
By F. Paul Wilson
This didn't take long to really grab me and hold my attention tight! It starts with a gal going into a cave and something landing on her head, and she can't get it off. It pierces her skin, and she blacks out. She wakes hours later, and the parasite comes off easily and appears dead. Now she finds she isn't alone in her head!
Super interesting and entertaining story. Crazy situations with people trying to kill her for multiple reasons.
Her new partner in her head can also heal some people and can also heal her! Definitely want to read the next book!
July 30, 2021
This is a modern take on F. Paul Wilson's novel "Healer", with a some aspects of his novella "Wardenclyffe" and "The Touch" thrown in for good measure. Normally a modern mash-up of so many ideas would just make for a big mess of word salad. Not the case here though, I loved this from the beginning to the end.
The author has created a great new character in the form of Stanka Daley, who is an ex family member from a group of travellers.. Daley sets up a new form of grift in form of a holistic healing shop in a small resort town in the Imperial Valley of California, that is essentially controlled by two families who run clean energy farms, as one of the families has a secret and that Daley threatens to expose by here presence in the town.
Fast paced, compellingly readable and if your fan of F. Paul Wilson's 'Secret History' novels this will not disappoint, Can be read and enjoyed without any knowledge of the secret history.
Now to wait for the follow up.
The author has created a great new character in the form of Stanka Daley, who is an ex family member from a group of travellers.. Daley sets up a new form of grift in form of a holistic healing shop in a small resort town in the Imperial Valley of California, that is essentially controlled by two families who run clean energy farms, as one of the families has a secret and that Daley threatens to expose by here presence in the town.
Fast paced, compellingly readable and if your fan of F. Paul Wilson's 'Secret History' novels this will not disappoint, Can be read and enjoyed without any knowledge of the secret history.
Now to wait for the follow up.
October 7, 2021
I enjoyed it for the most part. The ending seemed kind of rushed, but it ended on a cliffhanger so I’d definitely read the next one whenever it comes out. It was good, but there wasn’t much that stood out to me other than the interesting premise.
June 28, 2021
F. Paul Wilson's latest novel is a blend of science fiction and thriller, which means it is right up my alley! Double Threat is not a novel to skip!
26-year-old Daley is concerned. Very concerned. In fact, she might just be losing her grasp on reality. She's hearing voices, or more accurately: one voice. This voice keeps telling her that they're bonded and will share a body from now on.
Naturally, Daley isn't reacting too well to the news. Yet when scans don't detect anything, Daley begins to wonder if maybe this being is telling her the truth. If so, it means that they can do wonderful things together.
Symbionts, cults, and prophecies? Sign me up! Double Threat is a novel that has a whole lot going on, and it makes for an exciting read. Unfortunately, it is a bit of a struggle to describe without the risk of spoiling some of the best parts.
So this time around, I'm going to go with less is more. Double Threat is thrilling, fun, and chaotic in all the best ways. Daley's character is bright is interesting, as is her newly found symbiont, which is more or less exactly what you might be imagining.
I really enjoyed this varied take on the subject and certainly wouldn't mind reading more about their adventures in the future!
Thanks to Forge Books and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Read more reviews at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
26-year-old Daley is concerned. Very concerned. In fact, she might just be losing her grasp on reality. She's hearing voices, or more accurately: one voice. This voice keeps telling her that they're bonded and will share a body from now on.
Naturally, Daley isn't reacting too well to the news. Yet when scans don't detect anything, Daley begins to wonder if maybe this being is telling her the truth. If so, it means that they can do wonderful things together.
Symbionts, cults, and prophecies? Sign me up! Double Threat is a novel that has a whole lot going on, and it makes for an exciting read. Unfortunately, it is a bit of a struggle to describe without the risk of spoiling some of the best parts.
So this time around, I'm going to go with less is more. Double Threat is thrilling, fun, and chaotic in all the best ways. Daley's character is bright is interesting, as is her newly found symbiont, which is more or less exactly what you might be imagining.
I really enjoyed this varied take on the subject and certainly wouldn't mind reading more about their adventures in the future!
Thanks to Forge Books and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Read more reviews at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
October 24, 2021
I heard a funny discussion on a podcast recently that made me think of this author. It was a sports show and they were talking about players that seemed to operate with cheat code. That is something in a video game that makes you more powerful than you are supposed be. There are times that F.Paul Wilson feels like he is writing with a cheat code.
His Repairman Jack novels are so well-plotted and conceived that many people miss the effortless genius involved. The books are fun thrillers and bestsellers so many literary sobs and zealot seat of panters don’t get it. I do, and yes, I bias because I have made it my mission to learn from Paul in every way I can. There is a structure and feel to an F.Paul Wilson novel and for this reader it is like putting on a cozy sweater at the first chilly day in autumn
So, enter his latest thriller Double Threat which is a bit of a shake-up. I really like that FPW built this story on a narrative device that forced him out of his comfort zone. The other thing that is exciting is that this novel is sort of a spin on his space opera Healer from early in his career. The story has been reworked to fit into modern times and directly into his ongoing Secret History of the world timeline. It also shares some DNA with the Adversary Cycle novel The Touch.
Oh yeah did I mention that the majority of FPW’s forty years of novels are tied together in a single story/universe. It is as intense a timeline as anything a single author has done and unlike the Dark Tower series single books exist in more than one series and the author is keeping track of it.
Yes, Double Threat is in that universe. That is really only established on page 180 and it is a blink and you might miss it thing. The book also contains a Secret history timeline and establishes that this book takes place just a few months from the end of the world as seen in Nightworld which is the final book in both the Repairman Jack and Adversary Cycle series.
That being said if you are feeling daunted. Don’t. Double Threat stands alone just fine, but I am not sure about the sequel. Yes, be warned it ends on a cliffhanger.
So why is F.Paul Wilson out of his comfort zone? The idea was given to him by screenwriter Chris Morgan who suggested to him he wanted to adapt Healer. The novel mostly takes place in the main character's mind, while he communicates with the symbiont named Pard that gives him healing powers. According to the introduction, Wilson asked Morgan how he would adapt it and he said he would make Pard a person only he could see.
The idea stuck with Wilson and this novel forced him to flex new muscles by having an invisible character who was created mentally by the main character. That point of view is Daley a Twenty-six-year-old woman who is given this power and curse during a rock-climbing accident in the desert. She returns to the desert attempting to use her new skills.
The plot involves Daley opening up a healing business off the radar in the small desert town, UFO cults, and earthquakes. Keep in mind the end of the world is coming and Wilson is playing with the cheat code. I am not entirely sure we know yet how this connects. It had me considering that maybe I needed to re-read The Touch from the Adversary Cycle.
This is a very southern California novel, and by So Cal I mean south and east of LA. Imperial County and touches of San Diego. As a 619 resident I enjoyed this aspect. The novel uses the Salton sea and the setting to establish something very believable for the area. A UFO cult. I know but it has happened here before.
The most interesting elements of the novel of course are the relationship between Daley and Pard. If there is any weakness Daley doesn’t feel to me like a young person, but I work daily with people that age so your mileage may vary. That said, she is an interesting character, and the dynamic with Pard, who grows in her mind and thus is a part of her is interesting. In this sense, it is a retelling of an earlier novel, and there is nothing wrong with that. Stephen King has recycled plots many times (Dark half/ Secret window or The Shining/Christine) but FPW is upfront here and I think it is an awesome Experiment.
I admit I read Healer decades ago and direct comparisons are just not something I can do at this point.
The narrative is built on the same structure Wilson tends to use. The main chapters are based on days and dates. There are sub-chapters that switch between Daley and the UFO cult POV. Even though the connections to the Secret History are minor, having feelings for Wilson’s work will help here.
I can’t say how this book will read for a general audience without a basis in the whole thing. As someone who reads everything, Wilson does I can’t divorce myself.
My favorite thing in the novel was a character who feeds Daley information by a series of notes. This was a really cool scene and an interesting character.
You don’t know me.
He’s slipping me notes?
(Well, he’s honest, at least)
Pard’s commentary is all written with ( ) instead of quotations. I was worried that this would be distracting but I got used to it quickly.
Double Threat is a must-read for Wilson or Secret History fans. If you are new to FPW, I don’t think you should start here. Start at the beginning, don’t commit to reading them all because that is daunting, but after you finish one or two you’ll be hooked.
His Repairman Jack novels are so well-plotted and conceived that many people miss the effortless genius involved. The books are fun thrillers and bestsellers so many literary sobs and zealot seat of panters don’t get it. I do, and yes, I bias because I have made it my mission to learn from Paul in every way I can. There is a structure and feel to an F.Paul Wilson novel and for this reader it is like putting on a cozy sweater at the first chilly day in autumn
So, enter his latest thriller Double Threat which is a bit of a shake-up. I really like that FPW built this story on a narrative device that forced him out of his comfort zone. The other thing that is exciting is that this novel is sort of a spin on his space opera Healer from early in his career. The story has been reworked to fit into modern times and directly into his ongoing Secret History of the world timeline. It also shares some DNA with the Adversary Cycle novel The Touch.
Oh yeah did I mention that the majority of FPW’s forty years of novels are tied together in a single story/universe. It is as intense a timeline as anything a single author has done and unlike the Dark Tower series single books exist in more than one series and the author is keeping track of it.
Yes, Double Threat is in that universe. That is really only established on page 180 and it is a blink and you might miss it thing. The book also contains a Secret history timeline and establishes that this book takes place just a few months from the end of the world as seen in Nightworld which is the final book in both the Repairman Jack and Adversary Cycle series.
That being said if you are feeling daunted. Don’t. Double Threat stands alone just fine, but I am not sure about the sequel. Yes, be warned it ends on a cliffhanger.
So why is F.Paul Wilson out of his comfort zone? The idea was given to him by screenwriter Chris Morgan who suggested to him he wanted to adapt Healer. The novel mostly takes place in the main character's mind, while he communicates with the symbiont named Pard that gives him healing powers. According to the introduction, Wilson asked Morgan how he would adapt it and he said he would make Pard a person only he could see.
The idea stuck with Wilson and this novel forced him to flex new muscles by having an invisible character who was created mentally by the main character. That point of view is Daley a Twenty-six-year-old woman who is given this power and curse during a rock-climbing accident in the desert. She returns to the desert attempting to use her new skills.
The plot involves Daley opening up a healing business off the radar in the small desert town, UFO cults, and earthquakes. Keep in mind the end of the world is coming and Wilson is playing with the cheat code. I am not entirely sure we know yet how this connects. It had me considering that maybe I needed to re-read The Touch from the Adversary Cycle.
This is a very southern California novel, and by So Cal I mean south and east of LA. Imperial County and touches of San Diego. As a 619 resident I enjoyed this aspect. The novel uses the Salton sea and the setting to establish something very believable for the area. A UFO cult. I know but it has happened here before.
The most interesting elements of the novel of course are the relationship between Daley and Pard. If there is any weakness Daley doesn’t feel to me like a young person, but I work daily with people that age so your mileage may vary. That said, she is an interesting character, and the dynamic with Pard, who grows in her mind and thus is a part of her is interesting. In this sense, it is a retelling of an earlier novel, and there is nothing wrong with that. Stephen King has recycled plots many times (Dark half/ Secret window or The Shining/Christine) but FPW is upfront here and I think it is an awesome Experiment.
I admit I read Healer decades ago and direct comparisons are just not something I can do at this point.
The narrative is built on the same structure Wilson tends to use. The main chapters are based on days and dates. There are sub-chapters that switch between Daley and the UFO cult POV. Even though the connections to the Secret History are minor, having feelings for Wilson’s work will help here.
I can’t say how this book will read for a general audience without a basis in the whole thing. As someone who reads everything, Wilson does I can’t divorce myself.
My favorite thing in the novel was a character who feeds Daley information by a series of notes. This was a really cool scene and an interesting character.
You don’t know me.
He’s slipping me notes?
(Well, he’s honest, at least)
Pard’s commentary is all written with ( ) instead of quotations. I was worried that this would be distracting but I got used to it quickly.
Double Threat is a must-read for Wilson or Secret History fans. If you are new to FPW, I don’t think you should start here. Start at the beginning, don’t commit to reading them all because that is daunting, but after you finish one or two you’ll be hooked.
July 10, 2022
Wilson has created a couple of great characters. Daley and Pard, the name she gives to the symbiont, effortlessly play off of each other. While Daley gives Pard a body, he gives her a fresh outlook on her life. Not to mention that of the people they’re able to cure of various diseases.
There are some hints that maybe this is yet another arm of the “Secret History of the World” world. To start with, it’s an update of Wilson’s novel Healer, though the original book is part of his “LaNague Federation series.” But there’s something going on in this book that’s based on Nikola Tesla’s work, so that ties the story to Wardenclyffe. Checking Wilson’s website, it appears that this book is in “Year Zero” of the “Secret History.”
The book end with a cliffhanger, without any mention of this being the first book in a series. Wilson doesn’t make a habit of leaving things up in the air, so I’m hopeful. But he does lose a star because of it. Not cool. Not cool at all.
There are some hints that maybe this is yet another arm of the “Secret History of the World” world. To start with, it’s an update of Wilson’s novel Healer, though the original book is part of his “LaNague Federation series.” But there’s something going on in this book that’s based on Nikola Tesla’s work, so that ties the story to Wardenclyffe. Checking Wilson’s website, it appears that this book is in “Year Zero” of the “Secret History.”
The book end with a cliffhanger, without any mention of this being the first book in a series. Wilson doesn’t make a habit of leaving things up in the air, so I’m hopeful. But he does lose a star because of it. Not cool. Not cool at all.
July 8, 2021
I really really loved this book, but unfortunately it felt unfinished. I understand the need to write books with a sequel or trilogy in mind, but each book should also be able to stand-alone and the ending here felt like it just dropped off rather than satisfyingly wrapping anything up. There are SO MANY unanswered questions, which bothered me, but I can’t say I’m not excited about the next installment (whenever that will be).
**Note: I was given an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
**Note: I was given an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
July 6, 2021
TW: this book contains depictions of sexual assault
F. Paul Wilson’s “Double Threat” is a sci-fi adventure for fans of interdimensional beings and mind controlling slugs a la Futurama. As I am a fan of both of those things, you’d think that I too enjoyed this book—you’d be wrong. I am not a person who generally stops experiencing a book when I realize I don’t like it, but will rather finish it partly out of the hope that it’ll get better and mostly out of spite.
“Double Threat” introduces us to Daley, a woman in her mid twenties who survives by the art of a scam. Scamming and gritting are her bread and butter, a seemingly unbreakable habit forged by living with her dead father’s swindling family. On the run from a group of Coachella goers who grew wise to her tricks, Daley finds herself in a desert cave only to be taken by surprise when something gross lands on her scalp and freaks her out. Welcome to the show, Pard.
An indigenous woman living in the desert helps her get rid of the creature but the damage is already done. Hair falling out, Daley begins experiencing weird stuff, hearing a voice and seeing—initially—a naked man wherever she turns. Pard—short for “partner”—tries in vain to convince her of his realness despite the fact that she is the only one who can see or hear him.
This on its own would’ve been a fine plot, but we are given the suggestion of a celestial cult, a clan of about five menaninte families who believe in The Visitors. These mysterious beings are rarely spoken about directly and that’s because only the clan elders are on a need to know basis. The head of the clan is neurotic, misogynistic and arrogant. His son, Rhys, is basically his errand boy and in terms of Daley, his pawn. Rhys is set to become the next head of the clan, but he knows next to nothing about what the elders and not only does that frustrate him, it irritates me as the audience.
I kept hoping that crumbs of information could allow the audience something to hold onto, but so little was given about anything at all that I would easily lose interest in whatever was happening at the time. The setup of the chapters—“Date x, chapter x”—was really strange for me. Wilson essentially took days and then gave three different POVs of how the day went. Each new day began as chapter one, which I never got comfortable with, it continuously threw me off. The book took place over a period of maybe 2-3 weeks but with multiple POVs of the same days the story just dragged.
It felt like simultaneously too much and not enough was happening for me to really enjoy the book. I wished it kept my attention more than it did. The chapter from Karma’s POV in which he fantasizes of what he and his buddy would do to Daley before killing her absolutely disgusted me. I don’t care that his character was written in a way that he would enjoy raping a woman; I’ve never enjoyed books containing characters like him.
F. Paul Wilson’s “Double Threat” is a sci-fi adventure for fans of interdimensional beings and mind controlling slugs a la Futurama. As I am a fan of both of those things, you’d think that I too enjoyed this book—you’d be wrong. I am not a person who generally stops experiencing a book when I realize I don’t like it, but will rather finish it partly out of the hope that it’ll get better and mostly out of spite.
“Double Threat” introduces us to Daley, a woman in her mid twenties who survives by the art of a scam. Scamming and gritting are her bread and butter, a seemingly unbreakable habit forged by living with her dead father’s swindling family. On the run from a group of Coachella goers who grew wise to her tricks, Daley finds herself in a desert cave only to be taken by surprise when something gross lands on her scalp and freaks her out. Welcome to the show, Pard.
An indigenous woman living in the desert helps her get rid of the creature but the damage is already done. Hair falling out, Daley begins experiencing weird stuff, hearing a voice and seeing—initially—a naked man wherever she turns. Pard—short for “partner”—tries in vain to convince her of his realness despite the fact that she is the only one who can see or hear him.
This on its own would’ve been a fine plot, but we are given the suggestion of a celestial cult, a clan of about five menaninte families who believe in The Visitors. These mysterious beings are rarely spoken about directly and that’s because only the clan elders are on a need to know basis. The head of the clan is neurotic, misogynistic and arrogant. His son, Rhys, is basically his errand boy and in terms of Daley, his pawn. Rhys is set to become the next head of the clan, but he knows next to nothing about what the elders and not only does that frustrate him, it irritates me as the audience.
I kept hoping that crumbs of information could allow the audience something to hold onto, but so little was given about anything at all that I would easily lose interest in whatever was happening at the time. The setup of the chapters—“Date x, chapter x”—was really strange for me. Wilson essentially took days and then gave three different POVs of how the day went. Each new day began as chapter one, which I never got comfortable with, it continuously threw me off. The book took place over a period of maybe 2-3 weeks but with multiple POVs of the same days the story just dragged.
It felt like simultaneously too much and not enough was happening for me to really enjoy the book. I wished it kept my attention more than it did. The chapter from Karma’s POV in which he fantasizes of what he and his buddy would do to Daley before killing her absolutely disgusted me. I don’t care that his character was written in a way that he would enjoy raping a woman; I’ve never enjoyed books containing characters like him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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January 15, 2022D.N.F.
Yeah, no...just no. I've heard of fast pacing and one dimensional writing but this is ridiculous. How can there be such thing as too much of something but at the same time not nearly enough? The way it is written feels like things should be going by quicker than they actually are but then the amount of information we get out of it is next to none. It makes no sense and it leads me to wonder if I'm reading the same book as everyone else, because I can't possibly wonder why so many people are giving this three or more stars.
Yeah, no...just no. I've heard of fast pacing and one dimensional writing but this is ridiculous. How can there be such thing as too much of something but at the same time not nearly enough? The way it is written feels like things should be going by quicker than they actually are but then the amount of information we get out of it is next to none. It makes no sense and it leads me to wonder if I'm reading the same book as everyone else, because I can't possibly wonder why so many people are giving this three or more stars.
January 16, 2022
F. Paul Wilson You bastard! If you are going to leave us hanging like that have the next book ready! I was on the edge of my seat and it ENDED are you kidding me. Ug I am so frustrated right now. It was a good book, but damn.
August 7, 2021
I'm putting this down at 79%. Maybe I'll pick it back up and finish but it's taken forever to get this far and I just can't bring myself to want to continue. I love Wilson's Repairman Jack and Adversary series' but this is just bad. It started interesting but fell apart fast. It's been nearly a month since I picked this up. I can't do it.
December 15, 2021
Enjoyable story but.....can't even call it a cliffhanger story just seemed to stop....until the next book.
6/10
6/10
June 29, 2021
Daley and her crazy adventure fit right into the Secret History of The World. This girl has a way of getting herself into trouble everywhere she goes.
I love Pard he is a trip.
(“Not going to happen, Stanka, so I’m afraid you’ll have to get used to me. You’ve got yourself a roommate. From now on, you and I will be sharing your body.”)
There is a crazy cult that is up to no good out to get rid of her. Mr Wilson always comes up with some out of this world scenarios that keep me coming back for more every time.
This is the first book in a duet. If you love the Repairman Jack books you’ll love this one as well..
I love Pard he is a trip.
(“Not going to happen, Stanka, so I’m afraid you’ll have to get used to me. You’ve got yourself a roommate. From now on, you and I will be sharing your body.”)
There is a crazy cult that is up to no good out to get rid of her. Mr Wilson always comes up with some out of this world scenarios that keep me coming back for more every time.
This is the first book in a duet. If you love the Repairman Jack books you’ll love this one as well..
June 9, 2024
In Wilson's latest novel that fits into his "Secret History" world, Daley is a 26-yo woman who was brought up as a grifter to a whole family of grifters. When her latest scheme comes back to haunt, she escapes to the desert and hides in a cave. But when she leaves the cave, some entity leaves within her, a symbiont - an entity who can materialize to her, but only she can see it or speak with it. In trying to escaped the desert, she befriends an older native American woman who senses something in her from her own people's folklore, and promise to help and guide Daley.
Soon, Daley discovers that the symbiont, calling itself "Pard," can heal some illnesses and conditions providing Daley can give him physical contact to assess the other person. Daley eventually sets up a shop advertising a sort of holistic healing in an effort to grift money while possibly curing people.
Meanwhile, just outside of town is a compound for an elusive and powerful clan that has sets on some major cosmic happening soon, and have built a copy of Tesla's Tower in order to harness the energy needed to bring about whatever the Visitors are planning. The clan's leader "Dad" is obsessed with the whole cosmic thing while his one son humors him but doesn't believe in magic or other mumbo jumbo, and his older son who suffers from terrible skin affliction common to the clan. Against their father's wishes, they engage with Daley while Dad insists she needs to go, lest she ruin the future plans.
This book was a bit different from typical Wilson. The cosmic horror, ancient beings worshipping clans, and strange entities that grant humans healing powers are all there, but the book on the whole was much more light-hearted and had a bit of a whimsical tone to it. It's the first Wilson novel I've read in quite awhile, and I did enjoy it, though I'm not excited it's only Part I of a series, because it began to feel like everything was stretched out more than necessary, and I would have been happier with a one-off book.
Soon, Daley discovers that the symbiont, calling itself "Pard," can heal some illnesses and conditions providing Daley can give him physical contact to assess the other person. Daley eventually sets up a shop advertising a sort of holistic healing in an effort to grift money while possibly curing people.
Meanwhile, just outside of town is a compound for an elusive and powerful clan that has sets on some major cosmic happening soon, and have built a copy of Tesla's Tower in order to harness the energy needed to bring about whatever the Visitors are planning. The clan's leader "Dad" is obsessed with the whole cosmic thing while his one son humors him but doesn't believe in magic or other mumbo jumbo, and his older son who suffers from terrible skin affliction common to the clan. Against their father's wishes, they engage with Daley while Dad insists she needs to go, lest she ruin the future plans.
This book was a bit different from typical Wilson. The cosmic horror, ancient beings worshipping clans, and strange entities that grant humans healing powers are all there, but the book on the whole was much more light-hearted and had a bit of a whimsical tone to it. It's the first Wilson novel I've read in quite awhile, and I did enjoy it, though I'm not excited it's only Part I of a series, because it began to feel like everything was stretched out more than necessary, and I would have been happier with a one-off book.
January 18, 2022
My first Paul Wilson book...and it probably won't be my last, for a couple of reasons. One, I liked his writing and ideas. Two, this book ended with so many loose strings that there HAS to be a second book.
I think what I liked most about the book was that I couldn't really pigeon hole the genre. It was science fiction for sure, but a mix of some pretty hard medical science fiction and an attempt at horror...with some action/adventure thrown in, and a tiny splash of romance (more of a pinch than a splash maybe?). An interesting cocktail that I have never tasted before. While reading I had glimpses of Stephen King books, Dan Brown, Sagan, and a host of other authors that slip my mind at the moment...a mash up of some of my favourite writers.
Okay, enough about the writing style, how about the story? A lovable woman, with a criminal mind, has her brain infiltrated by a mystical/alien being. The life form bonds with her and takes up residence in her mind. Together they realize they have the power to heal people. For eg removing cancerous tumours from innocent children's brains. Paul Wilson is a doctor, so his knowledge of medicine really comes through in his writing. He doesn't dumb it down, which is something I really liked while reading. So, that's one story line.
The second story line is that a strange religious cult is expecting their god-like 'visitors' (aka Aliens) to return to earth...yet there is one person in the way. They believe it may be this mystical healing girl. There are a few members of this religion that are skeptical and / or rebel against this thinking...and they seem to be falling in love with this healing girl just to add to the conflict.
You can probably guess this will end up in a big old fight, both internal with the religious cult and external as they try to eliminate this healing girl. The book comes to a thrilling climax with a botched murder attempt...and then the story end. No real conclusion, just a bunch of pissed off characters and an open story line...
Which is why I'm expecting a second book.
I think what I liked most about the book was that I couldn't really pigeon hole the genre. It was science fiction for sure, but a mix of some pretty hard medical science fiction and an attempt at horror...with some action/adventure thrown in, and a tiny splash of romance (more of a pinch than a splash maybe?). An interesting cocktail that I have never tasted before. While reading I had glimpses of Stephen King books, Dan Brown, Sagan, and a host of other authors that slip my mind at the moment...a mash up of some of my favourite writers.
Okay, enough about the writing style, how about the story? A lovable woman, with a criminal mind, has her brain infiltrated by a mystical/alien being. The life form bonds with her and takes up residence in her mind. Together they realize they have the power to heal people. For eg removing cancerous tumours from innocent children's brains. Paul Wilson is a doctor, so his knowledge of medicine really comes through in his writing. He doesn't dumb it down, which is something I really liked while reading. So, that's one story line.
The second story line is that a strange religious cult is expecting their god-like 'visitors' (aka Aliens) to return to earth...yet there is one person in the way. They believe it may be this mystical healing girl. There are a few members of this religion that are skeptical and / or rebel against this thinking...and they seem to be falling in love with this healing girl just to add to the conflict.
You can probably guess this will end up in a big old fight, both internal with the religious cult and external as they try to eliminate this healing girl. The book comes to a thrilling climax with a botched murder attempt...and then the story end. No real conclusion, just a bunch of pissed off characters and an open story line...
Which is why I'm expecting a second book.
December 11, 2022
Hey, my first "free egalley for an honest review" for Tor! Sweet!
I dug through their Upcoming Releases catalog to find something that rang my bell, and this was the first one I spotted.
Never read any F. Paul Wilson before, so this is my cold opening for his work. Not bad, not bad at all. There were a couple of spots that read kinda flat, but that might just be my personal biases getting in the way instead of anything on the authors end. Sarcastically witty protagonist that reminds me of a character from this series The Finder, modestly engrossing plot that keeps you turning pages, and enough of a cliffhanger to bring you back but not so much that you feel like it was cut short.
Solid 4 stars. Not "Blow my mind"4 stars, but solid.
I dug through their Upcoming Releases catalog to find something that rang my bell, and this was the first one I spotted.
Never read any F. Paul Wilson before, so this is my cold opening for his work. Not bad, not bad at all. There were a couple of spots that read kinda flat, but that might just be my personal biases getting in the way instead of anything on the authors end. Sarcastically witty protagonist that reminds me of a character from this series The Finder, modestly engrossing plot that keeps you turning pages, and enough of a cliffhanger to bring you back but not so much that you feel like it was cut short.
Solid 4 stars. Not "Blow my mind"4 stars, but solid.
December 12, 2024
A new approach, a new heroine to further the developing 'Secret History of the World'; Likely to integrate into the comprehensive 'Repairman Jack Series'. Sharing bodies with a sympathetic alternate life form is stressful but can have downfalls and perks. Reread in December 2024.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2021
Double Threat follows Daley, a con artist whose life gets thrown upside down after she meets a mysterious symbiont. Initially she has trouble believing that she isn’t crazy as she is hearing voices. However, once she accepts that she isn’t alone anymore she jumps at the chance to start off fresh in a small town. This town isn’t all that it appears as there is mysteries aplenty with a weird family nearby.
I’d like to start off this review by stating that I loved this novel. I’ve read a few novels before by Wilson and this novel, like the others, didn’t disappoint.
The plot was great with plenty of suspense and mystery. Daley trying to uncover the truth behind the symbiont and its purpose was great with a few questions unanswered (for book two I’m assuming). The investigation into the weird family/cult was my favorite part as they were so creepy I kept waiting for things to jump out of the shadows whenever they were mentioned. Hints about their past was mentioned but not fully, which also leads me to believe there will be another book or two in the series.
The characters were great with Daley being awesome. She wasn’t your typical hero or antihero, she was a very flawed human being. Daley had done bad things in her past but she decided to start a new life so it was easy to root for her. I found Wilson tried to make her a little too likeable by having her cons seem less scrupulous. For example, she would only con big companies that was implied could handle the loss of money, but not little old ladies who live on a pension. I think I would have enjoyed her fully had she been more flawed and a little more heartless (aka if sue conned anyone).
I loved the small town location as I’ve always found small towns creeper than big cities.
The pacing was a little off as some parts felt a little longer than necessary.
Overall this was a great thriller novel featuring cults, mysterious symbionts, and the end of the world. I would strongly suggest it to any thriller fans. My one main complaint was it felt more like book one in a series and not a standalone (as advertised) as the novel ended on a string cliffhanger. I
Iistened to the audiobook and it was excellent, I loved the three voice actors as it gave each MC a distinct voice with their own infliction and accent.
Thank you to Dreamscape Audio and NetGalley for the ARC.
I’d like to start off this review by stating that I loved this novel. I’ve read a few novels before by Wilson and this novel, like the others, didn’t disappoint.
The plot was great with plenty of suspense and mystery. Daley trying to uncover the truth behind the symbiont and its purpose was great with a few questions unanswered (for book two I’m assuming). The investigation into the weird family/cult was my favorite part as they were so creepy I kept waiting for things to jump out of the shadows whenever they were mentioned. Hints about their past was mentioned but not fully, which also leads me to believe there will be another book or two in the series.
The characters were great with Daley being awesome. She wasn’t your typical hero or antihero, she was a very flawed human being. Daley had done bad things in her past but she decided to start a new life so it was easy to root for her. I found Wilson tried to make her a little too likeable by having her cons seem less scrupulous. For example, she would only con big companies that was implied could handle the loss of money, but not little old ladies who live on a pension. I think I would have enjoyed her fully had she been more flawed and a little more heartless (aka if sue conned anyone).
I loved the small town location as I’ve always found small towns creeper than big cities.
The pacing was a little off as some parts felt a little longer than necessary.
Overall this was a great thriller novel featuring cults, mysterious symbionts, and the end of the world. I would strongly suggest it to any thriller fans. My one main complaint was it felt more like book one in a series and not a standalone (as advertised) as the novel ended on a string cliffhanger. I
Iistened to the audiobook and it was excellent, I loved the three voice actors as it gave each MC a distinct voice with their own infliction and accent.
Thank you to Dreamscape Audio and NetGalley for the ARC.
July 14, 2021
Double Threat by F. Paul Wilson is about a young woman named Daley who finds an alien has resided inside her head. The plot moves from there with a "Stranger than Fiction" vibe. The humorous tone of the story changes with the emergence of a cult truly David Berg worthy. At this point, I'm reminded of Wilson's Repairman Jack series where Jack constantly averts danger to himself and loved ones. However, this book is not a Repairman Jack book. In fact, its enjoyment doesn't come from page turning danger. This is a slow burn ripe with fantastic dialogue between Daley and her alien, Daley's dynamic character change from extreme selfishness to to extrema empathy, and last Daley's paradoxical toxic relationship choices. Oh, and there's the cult based on mind bending science fiction. Wilson does a nice job of blending thriller and science fiction. Mostly, he's a natural with dialogue and immediately I am drawn into unique voices I want to root for. This book is well deserving of the applause and as much as I enjoyed the Repairman Jack books, Double Threat is better written. I suppose that comes from Wilson's dedication to perfecting his craft. I hope to see more of Daley soon.
Double Threat: A Thriller
by F. Paul Wilson (Goodreads Author)
4.04 · Rating details · 51 ratings · 17 reviews
In the southwestern desert, a mysterious cult prays for the return of the Visitors.
Only one creature can derail that grand and glorious event: An evil entity, known as the Duad, can keep the Visitors from arriving and prevent the transfiguration to come.
Daley, who lives nearby, has a far more serious problem: an alien consciousness that has taken up residence in her head. Medical tests turn up nothing, but still she knows it’s there. Among other things, the strange being’s voice . . . won’t stop talking!
And then Daley discovers she has the gift of healing. She can cure anything and anyone—the halt, the lame, the blind. Despite living in a small town, Daley had hoped to conceal her new ability, but the cult discovers her gift. The belief that Daley is the hated Duad leads to a series of bizarre attempts on her life.
Daley tries desperately to figure out what is really going on—is the voice in her head the devil, the Duad, a wise friend who wants to help her...or the first sign of mental illness? (less)
Double Threat: A Thriller
by F. Paul Wilson (Goodreads Author)
4.04 · Rating details · 51 ratings · 17 reviews
In the southwestern desert, a mysterious cult prays for the return of the Visitors.
Only one creature can derail that grand and glorious event: An evil entity, known as the Duad, can keep the Visitors from arriving and prevent the transfiguration to come.
Daley, who lives nearby, has a far more serious problem: an alien consciousness that has taken up residence in her head. Medical tests turn up nothing, but still she knows it’s there. Among other things, the strange being’s voice . . . won’t stop talking!
And then Daley discovers she has the gift of healing. She can cure anything and anyone—the halt, the lame, the blind. Despite living in a small town, Daley had hoped to conceal her new ability, but the cult discovers her gift. The belief that Daley is the hated Duad leads to a series of bizarre attempts on her life.
Daley tries desperately to figure out what is really going on—is the voice in her head the devil, the Duad, a wise friend who wants to help her...or the first sign of mental illness? (less)
August 16, 2021
DOUBLE THREAT by sci-fi/horror maestro F.P Wilson is a full length novel, the first of an announced two-book series. With the notable exception of 2020's SIGNALZ that I reviewed in July 2020, FP hasn't lost a step since "officially" shutting down his most famous character, Repairman Jack after a 3 book prequel coda to the RJ series. " The Secret History of the World", which runs through virtually all of Wilson's published works since, well, forever, is alive and well, although well-concealed in DOUBLE THREAT.
Part rewrite of HEALER, a short novel published by Wilson in 1976, and part oblique sequel to the outstanding novella, WARDENCLYFFE, DOUBLE THREAT tells the story of Daley, a young grifter on the lam after her last scam blows up. She flees San Diego for the Eastern Desert and hides in a small cave up in the hills. She feels something land on her head and passes out. When she awakens she pries a smallish, flat, something or other from her head and tosses it in disgust. She soon meets Juana, a Native American, who seems to know something about what landed on her and knocked her out, but everything she says is pretty cryptic. Especially when Daley starts hearing a voice in her head, one that talks back to her. Moreover, Daley starts to show some rather startling new abilities.
There's a very wealthy and isolated cult-like family, the Pendrys, that is playing around with a replica of Tesla's energy broadcasting tower from WARDENCLYFFE (you really should read that before DOUBLE THREAT or you won't understand some of the (probably very important) behind the scenes and so far not elaborated) problems with the tower. And some weird critters that Daley think she sees one night in the desert. There is a huge cliffhanger of an ending, but that's OK since we know from the get-go that this js the first part of a two part series.
The Secret History of the World is never mentioned as such (that's usually the way it works in all the novels and stories outside of the RJ novels), but its fingerprints are all over what happened to Daley, Juana, the Pendry's and the Tesla Tower. I'm assuming that the connections will be made clear in the second part to this series.
I'm giving this one 4 stars for now but that could change depending on how good the second part is.
Recommended and an absolute must-read for long time fans.
JM Tepper
Part rewrite of HEALER, a short novel published by Wilson in 1976, and part oblique sequel to the outstanding novella, WARDENCLYFFE, DOUBLE THREAT tells the story of Daley, a young grifter on the lam after her last scam blows up. She flees San Diego for the Eastern Desert and hides in a small cave up in the hills. She feels something land on her head and passes out. When she awakens she pries a smallish, flat, something or other from her head and tosses it in disgust. She soon meets Juana, a Native American, who seems to know something about what landed on her and knocked her out, but everything she says is pretty cryptic. Especially when Daley starts hearing a voice in her head, one that talks back to her. Moreover, Daley starts to show some rather startling new abilities.
There's a very wealthy and isolated cult-like family, the Pendrys, that is playing around with a replica of Tesla's energy broadcasting tower from WARDENCLYFFE (you really should read that before DOUBLE THREAT or you won't understand some of the (probably very important) behind the scenes and so far not elaborated) problems with the tower. And some weird critters that Daley think she sees one night in the desert. There is a huge cliffhanger of an ending, but that's OK since we know from the get-go that this js the first part of a two part series.
The Secret History of the World is never mentioned as such (that's usually the way it works in all the novels and stories outside of the RJ novels), but its fingerprints are all over what happened to Daley, Juana, the Pendry's and the Tesla Tower. I'm assuming that the connections will be made clear in the second part to this series.
I'm giving this one 4 stars for now but that could change depending on how good the second part is.
Recommended and an absolute must-read for long time fans.
JM Tepper
October 28, 2025
Many moons ago when I was a publisher, I reprinted one of his short stories. It was weird and awesome. The anthology “Damned if You Don’t” is well out of print now. So, I know his writing is awesome.
Well known for his Repairmen Jack books, he has published a lot of others in the SFH range.
This book was advertised as a stand-alone book, but it isn’t. I had both books anyway. I finished the first and went straight onto the second.
The story is about a hustler, Daley, whose latest money maker backfires on her and she decides it is time to cash out. Chased into the desert by a disgruntled customer, Daley hides in a cave. Something falls on her head and she passes out, only to wake up with something on her head.
At the same time, a secret group worships The Visitors and waits for their return. They run their clan, life, and stocks from translated details in the scrolls. The group becomes very large, very rich, and very secluded. Today, they have been warned about the Duad, an evil entity that can destroy The Visitors.
The Duad blends with Daley.
The son of the clan leader falls in love with Daley.
Daily falls for him, as well.
Once it is confirmed that Daley is in league with the Duad, plans are put in place for her assassination. Nothing can stop The Visitors return in 10 days’ time.
This is a brilliant story. Wilson does his normal excellent job and gives us characters with vast backgrounds and goals. The story of Daley and the Duad is paced well and we are introduced to the Duad in a natural setting. Her meeting with Juana after the cave experience sets Juana up as a person who knows more than she is telling.
The story is riveting. You won’t regret reading this. Remember though, it is a two-book story. Don’t blame the author for this lie, advertisers are there to make money. A lot of people like a book series. But many don’t want to be left hanging. So, it was advertised as stand-alone. Get both books, call in sick to work, and devour this excellent book and then move on to book two.
I blew through this novel in a week and instantly opened the second.
Well known for his Repairmen Jack books, he has published a lot of others in the SFH range.
This book was advertised as a stand-alone book, but it isn’t. I had both books anyway. I finished the first and went straight onto the second.
The story is about a hustler, Daley, whose latest money maker backfires on her and she decides it is time to cash out. Chased into the desert by a disgruntled customer, Daley hides in a cave. Something falls on her head and she passes out, only to wake up with something on her head.
At the same time, a secret group worships The Visitors and waits for their return. They run their clan, life, and stocks from translated details in the scrolls. The group becomes very large, very rich, and very secluded. Today, they have been warned about the Duad, an evil entity that can destroy The Visitors.
The Duad blends with Daley.
The son of the clan leader falls in love with Daley.
Daily falls for him, as well.
Once it is confirmed that Daley is in league with the Duad, plans are put in place for her assassination. Nothing can stop The Visitors return in 10 days’ time.
This is a brilliant story. Wilson does his normal excellent job and gives us characters with vast backgrounds and goals. The story of Daley and the Duad is paced well and we are introduced to the Duad in a natural setting. Her meeting with Juana after the cave experience sets Juana up as a person who knows more than she is telling.
The story is riveting. You won’t regret reading this. Remember though, it is a two-book story. Don’t blame the author for this lie, advertisers are there to make money. A lot of people like a book series. But many don’t want to be left hanging. So, it was advertised as stand-alone. Get both books, call in sick to work, and devour this excellent book and then move on to book two.
I blew through this novel in a week and instantly opened the second.
July 8, 2021
Things to Know:
-Cult
-Multiple Viewpoints
In the southwestern desert, a mysterious cult prays for the return of the Visitors.
Only one creature can derail that grand and glorious event: An evil entity, known as the Duad, can keep the Visitors from arriving and prevent the transfiguration to come.
Daley, who lives nearby, has a far more serious problem: an alien consciousness that has taken up residence in her head. Medical tests turn up nothing, but still, she knows it’s there. Among other things, the strange being’s voice... won’t stop talking!
And then Daley discovers she has the gift of healing. She can cure anything and anyone—the halt, the lame, the blind. Despite living in a small town, Daley had hoped to conceal her new ability, but the cult discovers her gift. The belief that Daley is the hated Duad leads to a series of bizarre attempts on her life.
Daley tries desperately to figure out what is really going on—is the voice in her head the devil, the Duad, a wise friend who wants to help her... or the first sign of mental illness?
The multiple viewpoints in the story really add an extra layer to the story. I listened to the audiobook version and the narrators did a wonderful job. They used multiple voice actors for the different viewpoints and this gave it a movie-like dimension to the book.
I found it odd that Daley didn’t find it weird or unnerving that the town she moved to was run by a cult. I don’t know much about California… but if I moved somewhere and they had referred to the different families as clans and ran those families as part of a cult, I would be freaked out. Daley just acted like this was normal of small towns which I found weird.
The character development was wonderful. Daley started out very selfish and “I look out for only me, myself, and I” and developed from there.
You should read this book because it is so unique! I enjoyed every minute of the audiobook. I would watch the movie if one came out. I found it wonderful and refreshingly original. 4/5 stars.
-Cult
-Multiple Viewpoints
In the southwestern desert, a mysterious cult prays for the return of the Visitors.
Only one creature can derail that grand and glorious event: An evil entity, known as the Duad, can keep the Visitors from arriving and prevent the transfiguration to come.
Daley, who lives nearby, has a far more serious problem: an alien consciousness that has taken up residence in her head. Medical tests turn up nothing, but still, she knows it’s there. Among other things, the strange being’s voice... won’t stop talking!
And then Daley discovers she has the gift of healing. She can cure anything and anyone—the halt, the lame, the blind. Despite living in a small town, Daley had hoped to conceal her new ability, but the cult discovers her gift. The belief that Daley is the hated Duad leads to a series of bizarre attempts on her life.
Daley tries desperately to figure out what is really going on—is the voice in her head the devil, the Duad, a wise friend who wants to help her... or the first sign of mental illness?
The multiple viewpoints in the story really add an extra layer to the story. I listened to the audiobook version and the narrators did a wonderful job. They used multiple voice actors for the different viewpoints and this gave it a movie-like dimension to the book.
I found it odd that Daley didn’t find it weird or unnerving that the town she moved to was run by a cult. I don’t know much about California… but if I moved somewhere and they had referred to the different families as clans and ran those families as part of a cult, I would be freaked out. Daley just acted like this was normal of small towns which I found weird.
The character development was wonderful. Daley started out very selfish and “I look out for only me, myself, and I” and developed from there.
You should read this book because it is so unique! I enjoyed every minute of the audiobook. I would watch the movie if one came out. I found it wonderful and refreshingly original. 4/5 stars.
July 25, 2021
DOUBLE THREAT is a very entertaining thriller that mixes humor in with the suspense and adds elements of science fiction and the supernatural.
A symbiotic relationship between a 26-year old female con artist and the (alien?) slug that fell from a cave roof and affixed itself to her head/brain. Soon it seems like she's talking to herself all the time, but it's the learning process of discovering and then benefiting from the human/organism bonding . A friendship develops that is equal parts weird and heart-warming. The dialogue throughout this novel is very engaging.
A side effect of the fusion is a newfound ability to heal. To avoid being mobbed by salvation seekers who want to tap her powers to cure their ailments, heroine Daley (Stanka Daley) retreats to a small southwest California desert town. There she interacts with the clannish Pendry family, members of an elite wealthy cult that are utilizing Tesla technology to signal The Visitors who they anticipate returning to Earth. However, they suspect that Daley represents a threat to their plans.
This novel was billed as a stand-alone story. I guess that is because it's not a continuation of the Repairman Jack series or any others that Wilson has written. However, as the back matter explains Wilson is developing a Secret History (leading up to a cataclysmic mega-event) that links all his novels and short stories together.
While there is plenty of conflict throughout the story, DOUBLE THREAT does end with a solution/conclusion of sorts but leaves lots of unresolved story themes. There's no mention of a sequel but after reading this, I can almost sense it. I'd certainly welcome another novel featuring these characters. This is a great read and recommended, especially if you're looking for something a bit different that strays off the established genre paths.
A symbiotic relationship between a 26-year old female con artist and the (alien?) slug that fell from a cave roof and affixed itself to her head/brain. Soon it seems like she's talking to herself all the time, but it's the learning process of discovering and then benefiting from the human/organism bonding . A friendship develops that is equal parts weird and heart-warming. The dialogue throughout this novel is very engaging.
A side effect of the fusion is a newfound ability to heal. To avoid being mobbed by salvation seekers who want to tap her powers to cure their ailments, heroine Daley (Stanka Daley) retreats to a small southwest California desert town. There she interacts with the clannish Pendry family, members of an elite wealthy cult that are utilizing Tesla technology to signal The Visitors who they anticipate returning to Earth. However, they suspect that Daley represents a threat to their plans.
This novel was billed as a stand-alone story. I guess that is because it's not a continuation of the Repairman Jack series or any others that Wilson has written. However, as the back matter explains Wilson is developing a Secret History (leading up to a cataclysmic mega-event) that links all his novels and short stories together.
While there is plenty of conflict throughout the story, DOUBLE THREAT does end with a solution/conclusion of sorts but leaves lots of unresolved story themes. There's no mention of a sequel but after reading this, I can almost sense it. I'd certainly welcome another novel featuring these characters. This is a great read and recommended, especially if you're looking for something a bit different that strays off the established genre paths.
November 22, 2021
This book had so much potential going in, but it devolved into a weird Scientology-like cult theme, with intergalactic alien "Visitors" and some million-year-old creatures called porthors.
In the book's author's note, it is revealed that the author has a screenwriter friend who did a rewrite of a "Repairman Jack" script, and it soon becomes obvious that the author knows how to write scenes with the big screen in mind. The female protag--Daley--is a well-written character with an interesting backstory, but the male protag--Pard--is the comic relief and has the best dialogue/lines/scenes.
I could see this book becoming a really fun film, but then, as I wrote previously, it devolved, and became, to me at least, a silly farce.
And the book just ended, leaving stranded with questions, but like in the movie industry, I feel that it ended like it did because there is another book in the works, making this a series, which the author is well known for.
This book might have gotten three stars, but the number of typos was mind-numbing. For such a prolific writer, the number of typos is totally unacceptable because he should be able to afford a better proofreader.
I am going to give this author one more chance and will read his first "Repairman Jack" book, one reason being that it got good reviews.
In the book's author's note, it is revealed that the author has a screenwriter friend who did a rewrite of a "Repairman Jack" script, and it soon becomes obvious that the author knows how to write scenes with the big screen in mind. The female protag--Daley--is a well-written character with an interesting backstory, but the male protag--Pard--is the comic relief and has the best dialogue/lines/scenes.
I could see this book becoming a really fun film, but then, as I wrote previously, it devolved, and became, to me at least, a silly farce.
And the book just ended, leaving stranded with questions, but like in the movie industry, I feel that it ended like it did because there is another book in the works, making this a series, which the author is well known for.
This book might have gotten three stars, but the number of typos was mind-numbing. For such a prolific writer, the number of typos is totally unacceptable because he should be able to afford a better proofreader.
I am going to give this author one more chance and will read his first "Repairman Jack" book, one reason being that it got good reviews.
August 7, 2021
Double Threat by F. Paul Wilson
Narrated by Michael Crouch, Stephanie Willing, Rupert Degas
Publication Date: July 1, 2021
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Genre: General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & Thrillers | Sci Fi & Fantasy
Double Threat by F. Paul Wilson is a standalone (according to the description) mystery/sci-fi novel. This is the first book I've read by the author and I really enjoyed it!
This book was amazing! The story was fantastic and kept me on the edge of my seat! I didn't want the book to end, but I needed to know what would happen next!
The characters were interesting and the dialogue was great!
The narration by Michael Crouch, Stephanie Willing & Rupert Degas was incredible! It was like listening to radio-theatre!
The only thing that is killing me is the ending. There is such a giant cliff-hanger and I can't find anything about another book! I need to know what will happen next and this is allegedly a standalone book.
Read this book! It is truly amazing!
I'm so grateful to F. Paul Wilson, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
Narrated by Michael Crouch, Stephanie Willing, Rupert Degas
Publication Date: July 1, 2021
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Genre: General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & Thrillers | Sci Fi & Fantasy
Double Threat by F. Paul Wilson is a standalone (according to the description) mystery/sci-fi novel. This is the first book I've read by the author and I really enjoyed it!
This book was amazing! The story was fantastic and kept me on the edge of my seat! I didn't want the book to end, but I needed to know what would happen next!
The characters were interesting and the dialogue was great!
The narration by Michael Crouch, Stephanie Willing & Rupert Degas was incredible! It was like listening to radio-theatre!
The only thing that is killing me is the ending. There is such a giant cliff-hanger and I can't find anything about another book! I need to know what will happen next and this is allegedly a standalone book.
Read this book! It is truly amazing!
I'm so grateful to F. Paul Wilson, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
July 1, 2021
F Paul Wilson has managed to write a thriller which blends science and fantasy with cultism to great effect once again. The plot seems to meander and is a tad bit slow paced(padded for the sequel) at times and not to mention a reworking of a earlier concept so it doesn't offer many surprises to the seasoned reader. He seems to have inserted reworked characters from earlier books with new names into this one. The protagonist is a female version of Repairman Jack on some levels without the combat skills. The Harley driving elderly lady is a version of the lady with a Glaken like co conspirator in tow. The cult is also typical of all cults found in Wilson's books. The book ends with the obligatory henchman attack which is fatal except it's not due to the symbiont. Think Wilson is caught in a groove where he constantly is writing about the miraculous healing trope but inspire of all this it managed to capture attention till the end. Can't say I am waiting for the sequel with bated breath but I don't think I will mind exploring her story further.
July 13, 2021
I received an audiobook of Double Threat by F. Paul Wilson for review provided by NetGalley. 3.75⭐️
This is a combo of my two favorite genres; Sci-Fi and Thriller. Wilson really does a great job of meshing these two genres together. I really loved the relationship between Daley & Pard. There is a lot going on in this book but it’s easy to keep up and I was engaged the entire time. This book ends on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to read the next one!!
In the southwestern desert, a mysterious cult prays for the return of the Visitors.
Only one creature can derail that grand and glorious event: An evil entity, known as the Duad, can keep the Visitors from arriving and prevent the transfiguration to come.
Daley, who lives nearby, has a far more serious problem: an alien consciousness that has taken up residence in her head. Medical tests turn up nothing, but still, she knows it’s there. Among other things, the strange being’s voice...won’t stop talking!
And then Daley discovers she has the gift of healing. She can cure anything and anyone - the halt, the lame, the blind. Despite living in a small town, Daley had hoped to conceal her new ability, but the cult discovers her gift. The belief that Daley is the hated Duad leads to a series of bizarre attempts on her life.
Daley tries desperately to figure out what is really going on - is the voice in her head the devil, the Duad, a wise friend who wants to help her...or the first sign of mental illness?
This is a combo of my two favorite genres; Sci-Fi and Thriller. Wilson really does a great job of meshing these two genres together. I really loved the relationship between Daley & Pard. There is a lot going on in this book but it’s easy to keep up and I was engaged the entire time. This book ends on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to read the next one!!
In the southwestern desert, a mysterious cult prays for the return of the Visitors.
Only one creature can derail that grand and glorious event: An evil entity, known as the Duad, can keep the Visitors from arriving and prevent the transfiguration to come.
Daley, who lives nearby, has a far more serious problem: an alien consciousness that has taken up residence in her head. Medical tests turn up nothing, but still, she knows it’s there. Among other things, the strange being’s voice...won’t stop talking!
And then Daley discovers she has the gift of healing. She can cure anything and anyone - the halt, the lame, the blind. Despite living in a small town, Daley had hoped to conceal her new ability, but the cult discovers her gift. The belief that Daley is the hated Duad leads to a series of bizarre attempts on her life.
Daley tries desperately to figure out what is really going on - is the voice in her head the devil, the Duad, a wise friend who wants to help her...or the first sign of mental illness?
July 11, 2021
F. Paul Wilson’s Double Threat is quirky and weird and yet entertainingly so. There’s an old Indigenous woman with a Harley-Davidson and a sidecar who gives guidance with sassy sharpness. There’s a smitten potential suitor whose father wants Daley “out of the way.” There’s a disfigured genius who slinks around the town at night, kinda like their very own solo neighborhood watch. There’s a cult who are looking for the stars to align for some sort of big event – and Daley’s apparently their nemesis. (Not that she knows it, of course.) And there’s a smarty-pants sidekick who lives in Daley’s head. If you like snarky dialogue, Pard provides lots of it.
Double Threat was interesting, but it took me more than a few chapters to get into it. I’ve never read F. Paul Wilson though I’ve heard of his Repairman Jack series, so I thought I’d give Double Threat a try. If you like quirky reads with a charming main character who doesn’t seem to mind getting in over her head, then give this a try.
drey’s rating: Pick it up!
Double Threat was interesting, but it took me more than a few chapters to get into it. I’ve never read F. Paul Wilson though I’ve heard of his Repairman Jack series, so I thought I’d give Double Threat a try. If you like quirky reads with a charming main character who doesn’t seem to mind getting in over her head, then give this a try.
drey’s rating: Pick it up!
August 1, 2023
"Double Threat is a new stand-alone thriller from New York Times bestselling author F. Paul Wilson." This book now shows up as Duad # 1 so you can't believe everything you read.
Three stars knocked down for saying it was a stand alone book that it clearly is not. That may have been the marketing team and it is unfair to blame the author for a bait and switch but it does rankle. It was not just timing either as the ending was in no way ambiguous about another book being required to wrap things up.
I gave it the 2 star rating in case others sort on those to see what is lurking that could be off-putting about a book so they can move on to the rest of their list as that is what I do and always appreciate that heads up.
The book is creative and moves right along with good characters although the different voices of Pard and Cadoc are a bit annoying. Still, now that it has stopped dead at the cliff edge, I will read the next one whenever that sequel to this stand alone book comes out.
Three stars knocked down for saying it was a stand alone book that it clearly is not. That may have been the marketing team and it is unfair to blame the author for a bait and switch but it does rankle. It was not just timing either as the ending was in no way ambiguous about another book being required to wrap things up.
I gave it the 2 star rating in case others sort on those to see what is lurking that could be off-putting about a book so they can move on to the rest of their list as that is what I do and always appreciate that heads up.
The book is creative and moves right along with good characters although the different voices of Pard and Cadoc are a bit annoying. Still, now that it has stopped dead at the cliff edge, I will read the next one whenever that sequel to this stand alone book comes out.
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