What do you think?
Rate this book
FBI and CDC Medical Thriller #3
Only One Wave: The Tsunami Effect
A tsunami strikes a small island in the Pacific Ocean, leaving destruction and madness in its wake. Is it the next pandemic?
After the natural disaster, CDC epidemiologist Dr. Madeline Hamilton and her fiancé, FBI operative Quinn Traynor, go to Nalowale Island to investigate a deadly outbreak of unknown origin. Victims become aggressive and irrational, suffering from insomnia, hallucinations, and eventual death.
But not everyone cooperates with the agents’ efforts to save lives. Devon Wheeler’s fortune depends on completing construction of the Azure Cove Resort. He’s hiding something, and he’ll do whatever it takes to open the luxury complex on time, even if it means concealing critical information related to the outbreak.
Under quarantine conditions, with all communications to and from the island shut down, the wave of illness climbs toward a calamitous crash. Then Madeline uncovers something terrifying…and impossible. The investigation will require significant acts of courage and huge leaps of faith, but what Madeline and Quinn discover, and what they take home with them, will change lives forever.
This is the explosive third adventure in the FBI & CDC Thriller Series by USA Today bestselling author Jenifer Ruff. It can be read as a standalone novel with no confusion.
After the natural disaster, CDC epidemiologist Dr. Madeline Hamilton and her fiancé, FBI operative Quinn Traynor, go to Nalowale Island to investigate a deadly outbreak of unknown origin. Victims become aggressive and irrational, suffering from insomnia, hallucinations, and eventual death.
But not everyone cooperates with the agents’ efforts to save lives. Devon Wheeler’s fortune depends on completing construction of the Azure Cove Resort. He’s hiding something, and he’ll do whatever it takes to open the luxury complex on time, even if it means concealing critical information related to the outbreak.
Under quarantine conditions, with all communications to and from the island shut down, the wave of illness climbs toward a calamitous crash. Then Madeline uncovers something terrifying…and impossible. The investigation will require significant acts of courage and huge leaps of faith, but what Madeline and Quinn discover, and what they take home with them, will change lives forever.
This is the explosive third adventure in the FBI & CDC Thriller Series by USA Today bestselling author Jenifer Ruff. It can be read as a standalone novel with no confusion.
283 pages, Paperback
Published November 10, 2021
553 people are currently reading
792 people want to read
About the author
Jenifer Ruff
60 books602 followersUSA Today bestselling author Jenifer Ruff writes dark and twisty mystery thrillers, including the award-winning Agent Victoria Heslin Series. Jenifer spends her days writing with the goal of keeping her readers eagerly turning the pages and putting the clues together. She adores peace and quiet, animals, and exercise, especially hiking. If she’s not writing, she’s probably out exploring trails with her dogs. Sign up for her Reader's Newsletter at Jenruff.com and never miss a new release.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
November 3, 2024
3.5 Stars
This is the third book in the series and can be read on its own. I loved the title and the cover. It is more medical thaThe characters were great and easy to follow. It is worth reading.
This is the third book in the series and can be read on its own. I loved the title and the cover. It is more medical thaThe characters were great and easy to follow. It is worth reading.
November 24, 2021
Only One Wave is the third in a series of medical thrillers starring CDC Dr. Madeline Hamilton and FBI agent Quinn Traynor, but you don't have to have read the other two books to jump right into this story. It begins with Hamilton and Traynor traveling to a remote tropical island to investigate a frightening new potential virus outbreak. The book is a smart, fast-paced thriller filled with twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. I couldn't put it down!
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
October 3, 2024
A quick read, shallow characters, skimmed a lot just to finish and see what was causing the outbreak.
December 1, 2021
I received an ARC copy of this book. This is my honest review.
Ruff has crafted an intelligent, fascinating, modern day mystery. A pandemic breaks out on an island near Guam. The sickness has occurred on the heels of a devastating tsunami. To sort out the confusion, the CDC calls in Dr. Madeline Hamilton, a revered epidemiologist. She is accompanied by her fiancé Quinn, a trained FBI agent for moral support. The convergence of events makes it nearly impossible for Dr. Hamilton to run the proper tests to solve the mysterious illness. In the meantime, islanders are falling deathly ill and exhibiting serious symptoms of extreme aggression and delusions. Will Dr. Hamilton solve the mystery in time to save lives? The novel is fantastic! As the reader, I became very connected to the characters who show deep compassion for one another during a time of crisis. Ruff does an amazing job of telling the story, providing clues, little by little. I was hooked from the start! I would highly recommend this book. It is Ruff’s best novel to date!
Ruff has crafted an intelligent, fascinating, modern day mystery. A pandemic breaks out on an island near Guam. The sickness has occurred on the heels of a devastating tsunami. To sort out the confusion, the CDC calls in Dr. Madeline Hamilton, a revered epidemiologist. She is accompanied by her fiancé Quinn, a trained FBI agent for moral support. The convergence of events makes it nearly impossible for Dr. Hamilton to run the proper tests to solve the mysterious illness. In the meantime, islanders are falling deathly ill and exhibiting serious symptoms of extreme aggression and delusions. Will Dr. Hamilton solve the mystery in time to save lives? The novel is fantastic! As the reader, I became very connected to the characters who show deep compassion for one another during a time of crisis. Ruff does an amazing job of telling the story, providing clues, little by little. I was hooked from the start! I would highly recommend this book. It is Ruff’s best novel to date!
March 25, 2022
Very predictable with simplistic characters who were stereotypes of completely good or completely bad individuals.
Also, some parts raised my cynical eyebrows. For example, an FBI agent is able to leave his duties for an unknown period of time to accompany his fiance to do some research on a remote island at the drop of a hat. That was convenient for the plot and the love story, but it was not realistic.
Despite these drawbacks, if you want a light, science based thriller to read, this will do.
Also, some parts raised my cynical eyebrows. For example, an FBI agent is able to leave his duties for an unknown period of time to accompany his fiance to do some research on a remote island at the drop of a hat. That was convenient for the plot and the love story, but it was not realistic.
Despite these drawbacks, if you want a light, science based thriller to read, this will do.
March 23, 2024
3.5 ish
Part Sci-fi, part mystery
The story is about a tiny island that experiences a tsunami. After the natural disaster happens, people start acting erratic and crazy, so the CDC sends their favorite chick and her FBI fiancé to check things out.
I thought the book started out strong, but got a little too “huh?@ for me by the end. I don’t think the story was developed thoroughly enough and should’ve probably had a lot more meat to it to make it more believable, especially near the end.
Part Sci-fi, part mystery
The story is about a tiny island that experiences a tsunami. After the natural disaster happens, people start acting erratic and crazy, so the CDC sends their favorite chick and her FBI fiancé to check things out.
I thought the book started out strong, but got a little too “huh?@ for me by the end. I don’t think the story was developed thoroughly enough and should’ve probably had a lot more meat to it to make it more believable, especially near the end.
September 7, 2025
So good. Didn’t want to put it down!
March 13, 2022
A very light “vacation” read. You don’t need the other 2 novels in this series to read this one.
November 20, 2021
Oh wow!!! With everything going on in the world at the moment the last thing I wanted to read about was a virus but as it was written by one of my favourite authors I gave it a go and boy am I glad I did!!! I loved it and was very quickly hooked on the suspense, the mystery of who was behind it all and most importantly who would survive. With so much going on the story it is a non stop roller coaster ride of emotions and action, one that had me wanting to skip to the end because I needed to know how it ended but at the same time I didn't want it to end. I loved the characters, Madeline and Quinn have been so well developed as characters that they are likeable and you care about what happens to them but with the addition of Ben my heart was in my mouth. I liked the unusual cure and the way it was discovered, the author must have done a lot of research for this book. This is the third outing out with Dr Madeline and FBI agent Quinn and makes for a great standalone book but even better as part of a series. Definitely my favourite so far and a book I can't wait to listen to as an audio book.
When a tsunami hits a small island and the inhabitants start getting sick, Madeline is surprised she is the only one being sent out to help. Joined by her fiance Quinn, they quickly learn that because of the virus that is turning people violent nobody is allowed to enter or leave. Madeline soon gets to work in the busy hospital where they are seeing not only patients with the virus but also victims of the tsunami and it is leaving them short staffed and over worked. Quinn also finds himself quickly put to work helping to find survivors in the devastated main street, aided by a young boy looking for his mother. They also carry out sample testing for Madeline, as she tries to treat the patient's, they try to find the source of the virus. With resources dwindling and technology not working, time is not on there side. As more and more people get sick and start to die, it is only a matter of time before one of them gets sick. Can Madeline find the cure in time?
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
When a tsunami hits a small island and the inhabitants start getting sick, Madeline is surprised she is the only one being sent out to help. Joined by her fiance Quinn, they quickly learn that because of the virus that is turning people violent nobody is allowed to enter or leave. Madeline soon gets to work in the busy hospital where they are seeing not only patients with the virus but also victims of the tsunami and it is leaving them short staffed and over worked. Quinn also finds himself quickly put to work helping to find survivors in the devastated main street, aided by a young boy looking for his mother. They also carry out sample testing for Madeline, as she tries to treat the patient's, they try to find the source of the virus. With resources dwindling and technology not working, time is not on there side. As more and more people get sick and start to die, it is only a matter of time before one of them gets sick. Can Madeline find the cure in time?
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
November 18, 2021
🌊 A TSUNAMI OF SUSPENSE!
Looking for a suspenseful medical thriller – look no further! This story about a CDC epidemiologist and her fiancé, an FBI agent, sent to a remote tropical island in the aftermath of a Tsunami to investigate a strange outbreak of irrational, violent behavior among the survivors will grab your attention right from the start of the story and keep it in a stranglehold until the very end. The characters are authentic, the setting is idyllic (I could almost feel the tropical breeze), the suspense if unremitting, and the premise is edgy, inspired and terrifying. While this book is part of a series, it can absolutely be read and thoroughly enjoyed as a standalone. Having said that, I think you will want to go back and read the previous stories once you get a taste of the quality of this medical thriller. I can’t wait to see what the author comes up with for the next book! ❤️
I was provided with an advance copy of this book but I am voluntarily offering my honest and unbiased review.
Looking for a suspenseful medical thriller – look no further! This story about a CDC epidemiologist and her fiancé, an FBI agent, sent to a remote tropical island in the aftermath of a Tsunami to investigate a strange outbreak of irrational, violent behavior among the survivors will grab your attention right from the start of the story and keep it in a stranglehold until the very end. The characters are authentic, the setting is idyllic (I could almost feel the tropical breeze), the suspense if unremitting, and the premise is edgy, inspired and terrifying. While this book is part of a series, it can absolutely be read and thoroughly enjoyed as a standalone. Having said that, I think you will want to go back and read the previous stories once you get a taste of the quality of this medical thriller. I can’t wait to see what the author comes up with for the next book! ❤️
I was provided with an advance copy of this book but I am voluntarily offering my honest and unbiased review.
November 30, 2021
Holy Toledo! Hang on to your seat!! Only One Wave by Jenifer Ruff was one of those books that hooks you and won’t let you go until you’re finished and beyond. I finished last night and I’m still thinking about this exciting book.
Number one. The medical part of the story is awesome. There is a Tsunami on the Island of Nalowale and a virus follows. The story is the race to find out how to cure it. I loved all the medical testing and attempts at treatment. If you’re like me and love medical stuff, this is your next read.
Number two. The main characters who appear in the rest of the series are on the island. The inhabitants of the island that are suffering losses and illness after the the disaster of the Tsunami. You can’t help but feel sorry for them. One little boy kept tugging at my heartstrings.
Number three. There is a lot going on and the author is so good it’s easy to follow. I felt along the way I knew what was going on, but I didn’t. Only One Wave was very well written and Jenifer Ruff did an amazing job.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Number one. The medical part of the story is awesome. There is a Tsunami on the Island of Nalowale and a virus follows. The story is the race to find out how to cure it. I loved all the medical testing and attempts at treatment. If you’re like me and love medical stuff, this is your next read.
Number two. The main characters who appear in the rest of the series are on the island. The inhabitants of the island that are suffering losses and illness after the the disaster of the Tsunami. You can’t help but feel sorry for them. One little boy kept tugging at my heartstrings.
Number three. There is a lot going on and the author is so good it’s easy to follow. I felt along the way I knew what was going on, but I didn’t. Only One Wave was very well written and Jenifer Ruff did an amazing job.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 3, 2023
This is a good, interesting and different story. While it has suspense and mystery, it's not your standard whodunnit, but it is definitely a "how will this play out," scenario. Madeline is a talented agent for the CDC and her fiance Quinn is an honorable FBI Counterterrorism agent. An island somewhere in an ocean experiences a tsunami and one side of the island is devastated with many dead and wounded. The hospital is bulging at the seams, plus there is a mysterious "disease" that causes the victim to have violent, severe symptoms. Madeline is sent to the island to investigate, find the source of whatever is causing this disease - and hopefully, a cure. Quinn accompanies her to help. It's an exciting story with some likable characters and some less likable. I was eager to find answers, along with Madeline and I was as surprised as she was when she came up with the answer. Good book and I enjoyed it.
November 18, 2021
Only One Wave: The Tsunami Effect is the third novel in the FBI and CDC Medical Thriller books. When a tsunami strikes the small island of Nalowale, Dr. Madeline Hamilton, a CDC epidemiologist, along with her fiancé, FBI Quinn Traynor head to the island to investigate a deadly outbreak. In the aftermath of COVID, the last thing the world needs is another destructive virus, one that causes madness and, ultimately, death. Jenifer Ruff has given us another fantastic and gripping tale with this story, and the characters are great in this rollercoaster ride. I am looking forward to the next book in this great series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 2, 2021
Caution: once you start this book you'll want to postpone everything on your to do list until you are finished. Only one wave kept me nervously turning each page. Madeline and Quinn are the perfect combination of intelligent, tenacious, loyal and tender-hearted. They are the good guys you love to root for and hope win in the end. This time the stakes are higher than ever. Taking the form of a pandemic, it is timely yet I never felt it was too much to take in. I could escape in a great suspense and return to my real world and didn't feel like the my reality and this novel merged. Although I highly recommend reading Jenifer Ruff's first 2 FBI & CDC novels, this book stands alone. I was honored to receive an advance reader copy.
January 30, 2023
A not so island paradise
A tsunami hits, and is catastrophic, but it is the ensuing virus and violence that has everyone searching for answers. Madeline and Quinn are back trying to help out on a small island, but they quickly realize the limits of sedated patients, no technology, antagonistic billionaires and getting sick themselves. Loss is a prominent theme in this story as much of the island was harmed or lost loved ones from the tsunami. The violence brought on by the mysterious virus leads to more upset and loss as well. New characters help Quinn and Madeline solve the case as well as become family. Ben was my favorite of the new characters, but honestly many of the military and medical members were amazing and I hope more books feature them!
A tsunami hits, and is catastrophic, but it is the ensuing virus and violence that has everyone searching for answers. Madeline and Quinn are back trying to help out on a small island, but they quickly realize the limits of sedated patients, no technology, antagonistic billionaires and getting sick themselves. Loss is a prominent theme in this story as much of the island was harmed or lost loved ones from the tsunami. The violence brought on by the mysterious virus leads to more upset and loss as well. New characters help Quinn and Madeline solve the case as well as become family. Ben was my favorite of the new characters, but honestly many of the military and medical members were amazing and I hope more books feature them!
November 22, 2021
I received an ARC copy of the book from the publisher and this is my honest review. Only One Wave is the latest in Jenifer Ruff’s FBI and CDC thriller series. Even thought it is part of the series, it can be read alone. Make sure you have nothing else to do when you start reading this book. I couldn’t stop reading till I finished it! Dr. Madeline Hamilton is sent to a remote island to determine what is causing an unusual illness. She is accompanied by her fiancé and together they work to piece together the mystery. Despite the beautiful setting, there is so much tragedy and grief but in the end, good triumphs over evil. A must read if you enjoy medical thrillers.
March 30, 2023
Thank goodness for KU. Just as with the first and second books... I won't bother reading anything else by this author.
Not suspenseful at all. It's difficult to have suspense when the bad guys are so prominent and telling you what they're doing and who they are all along.
The FBI MC is incredibly dumb. There's no way he'd ever be made a special agent in charge.
All of the characters are extremely shallow. I skimmed through a lot of the story and lost nothing as I had it all figured out very early on.
Not suspenseful at all. It's difficult to have suspense when the bad guys are so prominent and telling you what they're doing and who they are all along.
The FBI MC is incredibly dumb. There's no way he'd ever be made a special agent in charge.
All of the characters are extremely shallow. I skimmed through a lot of the story and lost nothing as I had it all figured out very early on.
November 20, 2021
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
November 2, 2025
Only One Wave is a decent medical thriller. The main characters are solid and likable. The ending was a bit light and some elements of the story were predictable. Fortunately, the main mystery plot elements were not as predictable. This is likely to be slightly more popular with women than men as far as thrillers go. 3 stars for this Kindle Unlimited offering. Reading this third book in a series without having read the previous two was not a problem.
November 24, 2021
Madeline and Quinn go to investigate a unknown outbreak on Nalowale Island. It has unusual symptoms like being aggressive, insomnia just a couple of them. End result though is death. Then there is Devon whom is going to do whatever to get his project done. Madeline will find out some scary stuff. Turn the pages to see is there any success in this thriller.
April 5, 2022
Jenifer Ruff’s second book, Only One Wave: The Tsunami Effect, is a great book and maybe the best in this series. It starts out fast with a gripping storyline that is very feasible and plausible. This book raises the question “How vulnerable is our country to biological threats”? Look forward to reading the next book.
February 7, 2023
Way beyond expectations
I have always been an avid reader. This is one of the very few novels that I found nearly impossible to put down. It required extreme discipline on my part to temporarily abandon the book in order to attend to important affairs. This book provided me enormous pleasure. Very well done!
I have always been an avid reader. This is one of the very few novels that I found nearly impossible to put down. It required extreme discipline on my part to temporarily abandon the book in order to attend to important affairs. This book provided me enormous pleasure. Very well done!
June 15, 2023
Great Book And Scary Stuff
I am having difficulty explaining why I liked this book so much, because that would be a spoiler and we can’t have that! Epidemiology shines, fun for conspiracy folks, just because you’re paranoid, doesn’t mean something is not going to get you. Fun read with disturbing, not far from possible reality…
I am having difficulty explaining why I liked this book so much, because that would be a spoiler and we can’t have that! Epidemiology shines, fun for conspiracy folks, just because you’re paranoid, doesn’t mean something is not going to get you. Fun read with disturbing, not far from possible reality…
December 29, 2023
Great contextual fiction
I had received this ebook for free on Kindle. I was immediately drawn in by the plot and the topic.
It is recently written and draws in current worldwide events. It ties in history and geography.
Without giving you the story, I would recommend this for military, ex-military, epidemiologists, and readers who like the mix of bad guys versus good guys.
I had received this ebook for free on Kindle. I was immediately drawn in by the plot and the topic.
It is recently written and draws in current worldwide events. It ties in history and geography.
Without giving you the story, I would recommend this for military, ex-military, epidemiologists, and readers who like the mix of bad guys versus good guys.
September 1, 2024
Intriguing plot, interesting characters
Just finished reading “Only One Wave” and I enjoyed the ride. The characters were likable and engaging, some plot points were predictable. There were a few minor characters, such as the doctor’s archaeologist partner, who deserved a more complete story line. I would read more books by Jenifer Ruff.
Just finished reading “Only One Wave” and I enjoyed the ride. The characters were likable and engaging, some plot points were predictable. There were a few minor characters, such as the doctor’s archaeologist partner, who deserved a more complete story line. I would read more books by Jenifer Ruff.
September 8, 2024
An interesting premise
I thought the varied combination of factors that made this virus so dangerous is scarily possible with all the bio- engineering that counties do. Also the cure was again interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and the characters. I look forward to reading more in the series.
I'm
This was my first book from this author.
I thought the varied combination of factors that made this virus so dangerous is scarily possible with all the bio- engineering that counties do. Also the cure was again interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and the characters. I look forward to reading more in the series.
I'm
This was my first book from this author.
April 11, 2025
Out of the three CDC/FBI thrillers, this was my least favorite. It can be read as a stand alone but I think the first two are MUCH better. I didn’t love the cause of the outbreak, it seemed far fetched and unrealistic. I did like the characters and the outcome of little Ben’s story. Otherwise, kind of a flop! Would definitely recommend the first two books over this one!
August 19, 2025
Virus versus chemicals
A tsunami hit a small island where old bombs were stored . A virus infected many on the island at the same time. A CDC worker was sent to figure out the how people were getting infected.
The story has an excellent theme. Characters developed and the pages turned quickly.
A tsunami hit a small island where old bombs were stored . A virus infected many on the island at the same time. A CDC worker was sent to figure out the how people were getting infected.
The story has an excellent theme. Characters developed and the pages turned quickly.
November 21, 2021
I received this as an ARC. I have enjoyed
Only One Wave ax much as I have Jennifer's other books. Her books are always easy and quick reads with likeable characters. I anxiously wait for the next book to come out as I enjoy Madeline and Quinn's storyline, especially now that Ben in involved.
Only One Wave ax much as I have Jennifer's other books. Her books are always easy and quick reads with likeable characters. I anxiously wait for the next book to come out as I enjoy Madeline and Quinn's storyline, especially now that Ben in involved.
January 26, 2022
be very careful
Loved, loved, this book. Action packed. Drama. Horror as people died. The thought of people losing everything through a natural disaster is frightening. Read this book straight through and liked the ending but I hated reaching the end.
Loved, loved, this book. Action packed. Drama. Horror as people died. The thought of people losing everything through a natural disaster is frightening. Read this book straight through and liked the ending but I hated reaching the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews