Deadly Lockdown

Escaping the Virus #1

by Misty Zaugg, Stephanie Mylchreest

A deadly illness. Panicked lockdown. And two sisters who’ll stop at nothing to save each other.

The second wave of the Siberian Flu catches the country completely unprepared.

Instead of killing the old and frail, the young and healthy are dropping . . . in hours, not days.

Kate, a new doctor, will sacrifice everything to break her and her sister free from a controlling stepfather and a dead-end small town existence. Moments from landing the critical job she needs, St. Louis falls apart around her.

Now it’s a race to survive. She has to fight through a city turning deadlier by the second and traverse a chaotic country to save her sister.

Alisa should be safe at home in their small town, but she’s never been happy to sit back and let life pass her by. Concerned for her stepbrother, she finds herself embroiled in a far-reaching conspiracy that might be even deadlier than the pandemic.

As an invisible killer spreads like wildfire, society breaks down with astonishing speed. Refusing to succumb to the chaos, the sisters will have to dig deep for strength, rely on new friends, and fight a vicious battle to survive.

From the authors of the top-selling Aftermath series, Deadly Lockdown is the first book in a gripping post-apocalyptic series full of everyday, driven characters who never quit fighting through non-stop peril and danger. A post-apoc thriller just right for fans of Kyla Stone, T.L. Payne, Ryan Schow, Jack Hunt and Mike Kraus.

(NOTE: This book was written in 2019 and finished before the current pandemic.)

Genres: Fiction

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 18, 2021

About the author

Hi there. Thanks for stopping by!

Imagine a world where disputes are solved by single combat and a girl's dream is to become a scrapper, earning glory and wealth in the arena doing what she loves to do: fight. Pick up Combat Origin, and you'll fall in love with Kiriai, a kick-butt heroine that doesn't let anything stand in her way, ever.

That's the beginning of my Young Adult Dystopian Series: Combat World. It's a fast-paced series you'll want to curl up with and enjoy.

I've got two post-apoc series written now with woman who grow in the midst of disaster and never give up: Aftermath and Escaping the Virus.

Click over to my website if you'd like to read the free prequel to the series, Combat Genesis, and get my regular newsletter.

MistyZaugg.com

And thanks in advance for even a short, 1-liner review. When you're just starting out, like I am, each one makes a huge difference!

I collect hobbies because I love to learn including a black belt, M.D., beekeeper, herbalist, hobby survivalist, yummy bread baker, devout Christian and my greatest accomplishments: homeschool mom of six and wife to the other kind of doctor – the engineering kind.

Please email me with feedback, questions or just to say hi. I love hearing from fans!

— Misty

Reviews

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

'D𝐄A𝐃L𝐘 𝐋O𝐂K𝐃O𝐖N' Is the first full length book in the 'Escaping the Virus' by new to me author Misty Zaugg.

Life has been a bit of a bitch lately, so I grabbed this which was recommended and it was the perfect escape which I craved. Easy to get into, brought so many Covid memories back to mind with the roadblocks, safe distancing, quarantine and the feral shoppers impulse buying which made this book very realistic. This kept my attention throughout and I’m definitely keen to see what happens to these two sisters.

Whilst Kate is seven hours away from her hometown partaking in a few medical conferences and job interviews in hopes of making a better life for herself and her sister away from their controlling and overbearing stepfather the second wave of the Siberian Flu hits, which is much more deadly than the previous strain which struck the world. This one hits quicker and kills within hours.

Whilst at the conference she bumps into a former medical classmate Will, together they kit out bug out bags with medical supplies required if situations get dire. Will resides not far away with his mother who is a former nurse who he's worried about as the last time he heard from her was when she was taking a neighbour to the hospital due to a high fever.

Kate is worried about her sister Ailsa who had a feeling her stepbrother Dean was up to something and disobeyed orders to stay at home by her stepfather instead followed Dean deep into the woods not far from their home. What she encounters there has her in the thick of things and him the ring leader of underhanded dealings. He's not the boy she thought he was. He's the ringleader of a trafficking ring.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic read! I know it was written pre COVID pandemic but omg it was so close to what we have been through though obviously a lot worse. It’s a well written, fast paced, non stop action packed read that will grab you and pull you in and you will not be prepared at all for what is coming. A gripping storyline of survival, of unbelievable atrocities, of nonstop peril and danger, of hope, of friendship and family , this first post-apocalyptic book in this series is a doozy and you will not be able to put it down!

[Joshua Jonah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book, by the author, in exchange for an honest review.

Coming from someone who typically enjoys the YA dystopia and has read a few that companies like SourceFire has published, I was very eager to accept this book. What I got was a story that is really solid and hits on the right notes when it comes to chaos and destruction. While the book suffers from minor issues like playing it too safe, or using cliches like every person for themselves, it still kept my attention and if the author expands on this, I would love to read the next. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Thank you, Misty, for the awesome book!

[Kelly Cross · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story

Pretty good story. A little slow but not too bad. Some interesting characters. Some are pretty one dimensional. I liked it well enough that I plan to read the next book in the series.

[Carolyn F. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was pretty good. I kept thinking how Alisa should have just called the police like a normal human being but that wouldn't have made a good story. Cliffhanger ending. I'm planning on reading more of the series.

[Jena]

I appreciate it when characters are strong, but not overpowered. I like Kate and Alisa, and I can't wait to see how they work things out in the next installment.

[Cath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book one of the Escaping the Virus series and the main characters are sisters Kate, a newly qualified doctor, and her younger sister Ailsa. Both still live at home with their stepfather Richard and his son Dean. Kate is off in St Louis at a medical conference and to go to a couple of interviews, with the hope of a new job and the chance to take her and her sister away from their over-bearing and controlling stepfather. There had already been a worrying pandemic with a new Siberian Flu that had travelled the world. Thoughts were that it had started to decline, until a second, more deadly wave of infections started to infect the young and healthy within hours not days, instead of the old and medically weakened. It has nearly overcome some cities in the States, including St Louis, where Kate currently is. She has a basic go-bag and tries to quickly get more supplies, along with her former medical classmate Will, also a doctor, who lives nearby with his mother Ellis, who is a nurse. He doesn’t realise how bad things could quickly become, but Kate has the advantage of some prepper reading and an uncle who lives self-sufficiently and provided some basic skills when she was a kid. Waiting for her interviews the next day, she may have left it too late to get out of town, before borders are closed, as the infection numbers skyrocket.
Ailsa had been told to stay home from school by her stepfather, but when her stepbrother goes out in a different direction than he should have, she decides to follow him. She ends up in the woods, near a seemingly deserted and derelict warehouse and hears something disturbing. She can’t leave it alone and although she knows Dean acts like a bad boy, she doesn’t believe he would be involved with anything truly criminal. How little she knows! Going back to the warehouse to check on what she heard, she ends up caught up in a criminal conspiracy and even the presence of Dean will not get her out of it. Kate needs to get back to his sister, who mentioned she may be in danger and that Dean was into something bad, but it won’t be easy to leave St Louis now the city has been locked down. Ailsa is in more immediate danger as she gets caught up in a closed environment with the virus spreading quickly amongst criminals and victims alike, without the knowledge of how to keep themselves safe during this pandemic. Everything is starting to implode, as the pandemic spreads this virulent killer flu, faster than the authorities can deal with it. Shops are emptied out and blackouts are soon to follow, leaving the population ill prepared to deal with what comes next! An exciting read, with two sisters stuck in dangerous situations and separated by hundreds of miles, who will need to do everything they can to survive and get back to each other.

[JoAnn Wells · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not exactly a riveting read. For some reason, adult Kate who is a doctor still lives with her stepfather whom she dislikes. Her sister Alissa as well as a stepbrother live there as well. Kate and Alissa want to leave as soon as Kate can get a good job to support them. Uhhm they live in a rural community and I’m sure they can both find jobs anywhere if they need/ want out. Instead Kate leaves for a medical conference and Alissa after being told multiple times to stay home decides to follow the stepbrother cause she thinks he’s up to something and of course he is. Long story short she gets kidnapped while a pandemic breaks out and a quarantine begins. Basically stupid decisions cause problems for all and then you must purchase 2nd book to continue story. No thanks.

[James Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is based on things that have happened and are still happening. There's a virus that kills lots of people in its first form and seems to be even more dangerous in its second form. There are people that try to follow precautions to avoid getting it and people that don't do anything to protect themselves or others.

The conditions in cities deteriorate as the situation worsens and violence becomes rampant.

Then there are those who are trying to avoid what is happening and get to safety.

There are two simultaneous stories going on. In one, Alisa, a 17-year-old girl, tries to find out what is happening in a building where she hears a woman cry but pays a very heavy price for her curiosity. She also finds out a family member that is truly a piece of human garbage.

The second theme is about Kate, who Alisa lives with, and her attempt to interview for a really good job when things get really and really fast and she and others try to flee a city which is breaking down way faster than anyone expected.

Alisa's story is a pretty rough one and the fact that she survives is a miracle in itself. What is being done by her step-brother is truly horrible and may cost Alisa her life along with the lives of others.

Kate, meanwhile, meets a friend and their story of trying to prepare to leave the city is well done and show the types of things people will need in order to try to survive and flee what is going on.

It's a very, very dark story but very well told and I'm already reading the next book in the series.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had this book for awhile now. It has been very difficult to start reading it because I still have some left over trauma from the worst of the COVID pandemic. My life during that time was pretty stressful and I lost several family members, including one of my favorites, to the disease because so many selfish people wouldn't put up with the most minimal of common sense precautions - not even to save their elders. I see that same selfishness and self-importance reflected in the society built by the author in this book. However, once I got into the story it swept me up and my post-pandemic anxiety calmed down. The overall story is great. But, the separate stories of the two sisters were so different as to be distracting. Kate's story of being trapped in a rapidly closing, disease-ridden city is the more believable of the two. Alisa's story is so far out it felt like a stretch. Also, I was never clear why Kate, an emergency room physician, was living with a supposedly wicked stepdad and putting up with him tormenting both her and her teen sister. Surely she would make enough money to move them somewhere, anywhere else. And, at the first sign of trouble, Alisa could have dialed 911 instead of calling Kate and avoided all of her later problems. Nevertheless, I'm into the series now and will probably stick around to see how it all wraps up.

[Pam Shelton-Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This appears to be a new book and is clearly meant to be reminiscent of our current Covid-19 pandemic, though in this book with much worse turn of events. As is with some of her other works, this author has two female characters that have been through tragedy and still enduring a level of abuse at home. Kate has been through medical school and it is not clear to me why she is desperate to get a job and help herself and sister escape from their stepfather. How does she not already have the means to get away? The story occurs in two scenarios, one of which telegraphed what was going to happen early on-I was with Alisa trying to understand how her situation could be happening in such a small town. The events in Kate's locale were more interesting as we see breakdown as the deadly variant of the virus progresses in a large city. I like how the characters near her are banding together to survive and hopefully, she will stop having flashbacks that cause her to not be a good team player. The writing is smooth and flows well and it is decently edited. I look forward to the next book.

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deadly Lockdown - a review by Rosemary Kenny


Dual locations tell different - and dangerous - storyline scenarios, featuring members of the Harper family, in Stephanie Mylchreest and Misty Zaugg's new Escaping the Virus series opener, Deadly Lockdown.
Paralleling, (with uncanny similarity) actual scenes taking place worldwide over the last 16 months, due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, this adrenaline-pumping, scarily believable novel, will shake you to the core and leave you gasping for more of this great series.

What happens to the Harper sisters - Dr. Kate, trying to help others affected by the 'Siberian flu' and to get back home safely to the rest of the family and Alisa, trapped by an evil family member - and both exposed to the deadly virus there's no known cure for?

Get your copy of Deadly Lockdown, by Misty Zaugg and Stephanie Mylchreest, to find out today...its pages could hold life-saving secrets for humanity's survival that you simply must not miss!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook: This was my first experience with these two authors' works. The story gripped my attention from the beginning until the end. I was so immersed that the story brought back memories of some of my own struggles during our recent pandemic. I liked Kate and her sister, Alisa. I admired the characters' arcs as they both faced up to the realities in their individual situations. I liked their determination and their feisty spirits. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I enjoyed J.S. Arquin's narration as his performance enhanced the story's entertainment. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.

[Kay Mack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evil grows

There’s not a lot of survival going on in this pandemic. But so far members of three different families join together to find safety. The characters are the focus and are super realistic. It’s so easy to sink into where they are, you can even smell the choc chip cookies. Into all of this is a plan to kidnap and sell into slavery young women. And there is a high level of evil right there. Very well written, it reminds me of 24, the tv show. Each step is examined. And now there’s a dog. The medical parts are interesting as well. I enjoyed it!

[Mr M Morrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great and no Zombies

I feel the authors have done their research into telling this, as well as I can imagine if it was true to life.
A virus without zombies is a welcome change. Kate and Will are likeable characters. Clay! mmm I can't decided if he has a hidden agenda. Alisha has a fight on her hands with her stepbrother Dean, will he succumb to the virus.
I like the news reports, I'm not sure if there is any particular reason for the dates and places for these reports.
This is very well scripted to keep the reader wanting more, a hard to put down novel

[LIBBY Hardel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book and instead of DNF'ing it like I wanted to, I did finish it. I won't be continuing on with this series however. I just can't get into a book, a story, that is ridiculous. I'll probably always sort of wonder what happens to the characters but honestly? Being an amateur writer myself? I'd come up with a better ending on my own. I don't recommend this book, especially after having just come through a pandemic that looks to try worming its way back into our lives. Get vaxxed. Get boosted. It DOES save lives.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadly Lockdown: A Post-Apocalyptic Pandemic Survival Thriller (Escaping the Virus Book 1) by Misty Zaugg, Stephanie Mylchreest is a wonderful story to read. This is book number one in this wonderful start to a brand new series that I am so hooked on and I can not wait to read the rest. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about survival thrillers.

I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic story. This was an eye opener especially after going through COVID this last year. This didn't kill the old and sick it killed the young and healthy. Such a fast pasted suspenseful story where the characters have to learn how to survive all kinds of horrors, danger, hope family new friendships and love. Wonderful first book. Can't wait to read the next book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent series that I thoroughly enjoyed and look forward to reading again. The characters, time and place are well developed and thought provoking.
These two authors work so well together.
I first read the Aftermath series. I searched for other works by the 3 authors of that series which lead me to Deadly Lockdown.
Cannot wait to see what comes next by them, singly or as a group effort.

[Blair Stackhouse · Rating 2 out of 5]

The storyline of Kate is really enjoyable, but the Dean subplot is shoehorned in and tedious. I almost stopped reading after the weird stepsibling crush at the beginning. The gang member trafficking plot was somehow less enjoyable than the route I thought it was going. I would keep reading the series if I thought this plot was going to end, but it seems like they are trying to set him up as a Big Bad.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

The flu has become deadly for everyone and yet two sisters are trying to save the other. This time it is hitting the young rather than the elderly people. It is killing in hours rather than days. Will they save each other? How many will die this time? See just how they get on

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lana Mccall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very entertaining

Kate is a newly minted physician attending a medical conference in St Louis. Alisa is Kate’s younger sister still living with their stepfather. The second wave of the deadly flu races across America. But along with the pandemic evil humans recognize their chance to grab power.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Completely different than what I imagined. The story begins at a medical convention where Kate is hoping to get a job. At home things are unfolding with her younger sister as she is trying to figure out what is happening to their stepbrother. It is building up to a great pressure as a pandemic returns more powerful than the previous. I can't wait to begin the next book

[AmiA. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great apocalyptic thriller!

This apoc series involves several intertwined and intense storylines that kept me turning pages as quickly as possible. The characters are still holding a few secrets and there are critical hurdles to overcome for all. Therefore, I am definitely looking forward to book 2! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Read via Kindle Unlimited

[Terrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was quite good, and I knew it was a three part series, but I didn’t realize that the book would just end, and leave you hanging. You have to read the next two books to get the finish. I’ve read many series, and each book had a decent ending but you knew it would continue. Otherwise I might have given this book a 4 star rating.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. The prospect of another pandemic wave was quite realistic given current circumstances. Both sisters had an exciting and thrilling tale to share, filled with great characters (with the exception of some of the bad characters because they're evil). Overall a fantastic and enjoyable read.

[Cody · Rating 2 out of 5]

Repetitious

I find it difficult to believe this was written before the covid 19 farce. Probably 25% of this story is about masks,social distancing, washing hands, and don't touch your face.

[Jessica Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great story. Can't wait to find out what happens next to Kate and her sister. It will be interesting to see where the author goes with this story from here.

I received an ARC of this book.

[Lisa Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good start to new series!

First time reading either of these authors, the story moves a little bit slower than I am used too. I recommend that you get the book and read for yourself and then leave your reviews.

[Tony Sommer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting story

This story is reminiscent of the current virus and the lockdowns and quarantine measures taking place. Increase in crime, overloaded medical facilities and confusion.