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Hidden and Imminent Dangers
Nurse Mac MacIntosh spends his days immersed in the chaos of a Louisville, Kentucky emergency room, struggling to shout down the demons that have haunted him since his tour as a medic in war-torn Afghanistan. But when a patient with suspicious flu-like symptoms arrives from a nearby poultry farm, Mac finds himself caught up in a horrific humanitarian crisis. Infectious disease specialist Mercato Marcus is the first to suspect the outbreak of a mutant strain of avian flu, but administrative in-fighting delays the involvement of the CDC, triggering a disastrous and deadly chain of events that threatens to destroy the United States. This suspenseful novel presents a riveting and frightfully realistic scenario in which the inadequacies of medicine, government, and law enforcement contribute to, rather than halt, the spread of global destruction. Hidden and Imminent Dangers offers a fast-paced object lesson about the dangers of a modern global pandemic.
328 pages, Paperback
First published December 9, 2009
18 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 11, 2010
“During my career I’ve found leaders a scarce commodity. The world is full of managers and directors, but they’re not leaders.” – Colonel Nathan Zinsky, M.D.
A young man is brought into the ER at University Community Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky suffering from what appears to be a particularly nasty case of the flu. Upon learning that the man is employed at a poultry farm, Infectious Disease specialist Dr. Mercato Marcus is the first to recognize there is something much more serious going on.
Suspecting a case of H5N1 avian influenza (“bird flu”), Dr. Marcus sounds the alarm to the Centers for Disease Control. Her bosses, however, are more concerned with the hospital’s image should a panic ensue and it turns out that Dr. Marcus was wrong… she is not.
Unfortunately, the virus’s point of origin being a poultry farm allows for its lightening fast spread: migrant workers, infected but not yet symptomatic, disperse home for the holidays; long haul truckers who truck out the season’s last shipments unwittingly spread the virus at every stop along their routes; a group of global investors looking to acquire the farm are exposed during a tour of the facilities and take the virus back to their home countries with them.
The President tries to control the situation on the domestic front by quarantining several counties surrounding the hospital, but he is met with resistance from the Governor of Kentucky who sees the crisis as a chance to make a show of power for his constituents. So much time is lost to the posturing and playing of politics that by the time Colonel Nathan Zinsky, M.D. from the Centers for Disease Control finally arrives in Louisville University Community Hospital has become ground zero for a global pandemic, the worst since the “Spanish Flu” pandemic of 1918.
Author D.W. Hardin’s unique background in both emergency medicine and law enforcement lends Hidden and Imminent Dangers an unmistakable aura of legitimacy. Every action taken by the medical personnel and police officers rings true, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the character of Mac MacIntosh, a former medic in the Special Forces currently working as an RN in the ER of University Community Hospital.
Given today’s highly mobile society the scenario presented in Hidden and Imminent Dangers is not only entirely possible, it’s just a matter of time some experts argue. An immensely enjoyable medical thriller, Hidden and Imminent Dangers will leave even the most levelheaded reader with flashbacks to the recent H1N1 influenza (“Swine Flu”) scare and questions as to just how ready we are for the next super-virus that comes along.
A young man is brought into the ER at University Community Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky suffering from what appears to be a particularly nasty case of the flu. Upon learning that the man is employed at a poultry farm, Infectious Disease specialist Dr. Mercato Marcus is the first to recognize there is something much more serious going on.
Suspecting a case of H5N1 avian influenza (“bird flu”), Dr. Marcus sounds the alarm to the Centers for Disease Control. Her bosses, however, are more concerned with the hospital’s image should a panic ensue and it turns out that Dr. Marcus was wrong… she is not.
Unfortunately, the virus’s point of origin being a poultry farm allows for its lightening fast spread: migrant workers, infected but not yet symptomatic, disperse home for the holidays; long haul truckers who truck out the season’s last shipments unwittingly spread the virus at every stop along their routes; a group of global investors looking to acquire the farm are exposed during a tour of the facilities and take the virus back to their home countries with them.
The President tries to control the situation on the domestic front by quarantining several counties surrounding the hospital, but he is met with resistance from the Governor of Kentucky who sees the crisis as a chance to make a show of power for his constituents. So much time is lost to the posturing and playing of politics that by the time Colonel Nathan Zinsky, M.D. from the Centers for Disease Control finally arrives in Louisville University Community Hospital has become ground zero for a global pandemic, the worst since the “Spanish Flu” pandemic of 1918.
Author D.W. Hardin’s unique background in both emergency medicine and law enforcement lends Hidden and Imminent Dangers an unmistakable aura of legitimacy. Every action taken by the medical personnel and police officers rings true, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the character of Mac MacIntosh, a former medic in the Special Forces currently working as an RN in the ER of University Community Hospital.
Given today’s highly mobile society the scenario presented in Hidden and Imminent Dangers is not only entirely possible, it’s just a matter of time some experts argue. An immensely enjoyable medical thriller, Hidden and Imminent Dangers will leave even the most levelheaded reader with flashbacks to the recent H1N1 influenza (“Swine Flu”) scare and questions as to just how ready we are for the next super-virus that comes along.
April 1, 2010
The author, Doug Hardin, uses his medical background and his experiences as Lieutenant with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office to enrich with details this novel. This is one particular aspect I highly enjoyed. You don't have to know a lot about the medical or legal world since the jargon is carefully explained and taught to the reader.
The book starts off a bit slow but it doesn't take long before all hell breaks loose! The story evolves into a fast-paced action. A farmer starts experiencing flu-like symptoms that a doctor suspects to be avian flu. Soon after,people are dying while others are fighting for survival. The nation is facing a crisis and it doesn't take long before other parts of the world start experiencing this pandemic.
This is definitely a page-turner. Once you start this book, you simply can't put it down. It is suspenseful and at times pretty scary when you think of how we would react if a global pandemic were to happen.
I give this amazing book a well deserved 5 stars and hope that you will pick it up and read it. I can't wait to see what Doug Hardin comes up with next. I sure hope to read more books by this talented author in the future.
For more information, visit the author's website :
https://hiddenandimminentdangers.com/...
To purchase this book on Amazon :
http://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Imminent...
Follow him on Twitter :
http://twitter.com/glimmerghost
The book starts off a bit slow but it doesn't take long before all hell breaks loose! The story evolves into a fast-paced action. A farmer starts experiencing flu-like symptoms that a doctor suspects to be avian flu. Soon after,people are dying while others are fighting for survival. The nation is facing a crisis and it doesn't take long before other parts of the world start experiencing this pandemic.
This is definitely a page-turner. Once you start this book, you simply can't put it down. It is suspenseful and at times pretty scary when you think of how we would react if a global pandemic were to happen.
I give this amazing book a well deserved 5 stars and hope that you will pick it up and read it. I can't wait to see what Doug Hardin comes up with next. I sure hope to read more books by this talented author in the future.
For more information, visit the author's website :
https://hiddenandimminentdangers.com/...
To purchase this book on Amazon :
http://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Imminent...
Follow him on Twitter :
http://twitter.com/glimmerghost
December 16, 2019
A story that could very well happen, if not for the strict guidelines in place in our country
An insightful story about what could be with enough imagination. Personally not to crazy about the writing style. I found character depth somewhat lacking
An insightful story about what could be with enough imagination. Personally not to crazy about the writing style. I found character depth somewhat lacking
August 28, 2015
This is a mixture of medical mystery, military, and science fiction bordering on post-apocalyptic. In a way it is a combination of Robin Cook, Tom Clancy, and Steven Konkoly all wrapped in one.
"Mac" MacIntosh is a military veteran who was a medic that became a nurse. He enjoys working as an ER nurse at UCH in Louisville, Kentucky. It has its share of trauma, tragedy, and crazies just like any other similar hospital. Meanwhile a series of events causes a young man to become seriously ill. The young man doesn't understand the necessity covering his nose or mouth when sneezing or coughing. You guessed it, he spread his illness. The incompetence of the hospital management delay the deadly diagnosis. Politicians are covering their collective buns. All the while good and evil are battling it out for earth-bound souls.
I'd give this story 4.75 stars because of some minor formatting issues that took me a little bit away from the story, otherwise it is really great. Mr. Hardin blended politics, medicine, military, law enforcement, and religion very well. He gave a great overall picture while also sharing some intimate details on a few of the major characters. I loved that even the so called 'good guys' had flaws. It made them all the more human.
Warning: This book is for Mature Audiences due to moderately graphic violence, sexual situations, and adult language.
"Mac" MacIntosh is a military veteran who was a medic that became a nurse. He enjoys working as an ER nurse at UCH in Louisville, Kentucky. It has its share of trauma, tragedy, and crazies just like any other similar hospital. Meanwhile a series of events causes a young man to become seriously ill. The young man doesn't understand the necessity covering his nose or mouth when sneezing or coughing. You guessed it, he spread his illness. The incompetence of the hospital management delay the deadly diagnosis. Politicians are covering their collective buns. All the while good and evil are battling it out for earth-bound souls.
I'd give this story 4.75 stars because of some minor formatting issues that took me a little bit away from the story, otherwise it is really great. Mr. Hardin blended politics, medicine, military, law enforcement, and religion very well. He gave a great overall picture while also sharing some intimate details on a few of the major characters. I loved that even the so called 'good guys' had flaws. It made them all the more human.
Warning: This book is for Mature Audiences due to moderately graphic violence, sexual situations, and adult language.
June 17, 2010
. I read a lot of good books, but then sometimes I get an absolutely great book like this one. Hidden and Imminent Dangers by D.W. Hardin can hold its own against any of those “Oh So Famous” thriller authors on the market today.
Whether describing the emergency department or a compound in Afghanistan, the book’s details bring the locations to life without ever getting too technical. It is fascinating and exciting as the reader becomes an observer in the middle of the action. I especially like that the book includes the stories of not only the doctors, but also police, politicians, soldiers, and religious leaders. This is very well written and scary pandemic drama. I believe it is a very realistic account of just how prepared we would be in case of a pandemic.
There are several dramatic twists and some surprises that I did not expect. I highly recommend Hidden and Imminent Dangers, and I look forward to D.W. Hardin’s next book. This one should be a best seller.
Whether describing the emergency department or a compound in Afghanistan, the book’s details bring the locations to life without ever getting too technical. It is fascinating and exciting as the reader becomes an observer in the middle of the action. I especially like that the book includes the stories of not only the doctors, but also police, politicians, soldiers, and religious leaders. This is very well written and scary pandemic drama. I believe it is a very realistic account of just how prepared we would be in case of a pandemic.
There are several dramatic twists and some surprises that I did not expect. I highly recommend Hidden and Imminent Dangers, and I look forward to D.W. Hardin’s next book. This one should be a best seller.
March 28, 2012
OMG! I LOVED this book! It was amazing!
Okay, I'm done with the drooling... After reading this book, you might never view an innocent sneeze as innocent. I have to say that I always seem to enjoy books that deal with the whole pandemic question so I guess I shouldn't be surprised at how much I liked this one.
It seemed to me that it was very well thought out, and that the author did actually have some idea of just how something like this could happen and quickly it could travel. Not only from the perspective of person to person, but throughout the globe.
The other thing I really enjoyed was how well the characters were developed. It wasn't just the main characters that were multi dimensional, but most of the background characters had *personality* as well.
So, yes, go read this if pandemic type books are your cup of tea. You won't be disappointed.
Okay, I'm done with the drooling... After reading this book, you might never view an innocent sneeze as innocent. I have to say that I always seem to enjoy books that deal with the whole pandemic question so I guess I shouldn't be surprised at how much I liked this one.
It seemed to me that it was very well thought out, and that the author did actually have some idea of just how something like this could happen and quickly it could travel. Not only from the perspective of person to person, but throughout the globe.
The other thing I really enjoyed was how well the characters were developed. It wasn't just the main characters that were multi dimensional, but most of the background characters had *personality* as well.
So, yes, go read this if pandemic type books are your cup of tea. You won't be disappointed.
May 10, 2012
I am baffled by the enthusiastic endorsements of this mediocre work.
The entire book, until the virus begins to spread throughout the characters, is Stephen King's "The Stand" written for a "See Dick Run" audience.
Admittedly, the pace picks up significantly once the virus has a foot hold, but the relentless "Old Time Religion" judgmentalism is tiring and the editing - hoo boy, the mechanics of the published book fall apart to a point that they are a distraction to the conclusion of the book.
Overall, not a book for a sophisticated reader.
The entire book, until the virus begins to spread throughout the characters, is Stephen King's "The Stand" written for a "See Dick Run" audience.
Admittedly, the pace picks up significantly once the virus has a foot hold, but the relentless "Old Time Religion" judgmentalism is tiring and the editing - hoo boy, the mechanics of the published book fall apart to a point that they are a distraction to the conclusion of the book.
Overall, not a book for a sophisticated reader.
May 5, 2010
I just finished reading this tightly woven page turner and liked it very much. The author shines a very bright light on the inner workings of the government entities we have grown accustomed to relying on. A scary but plausible and eye opening scenario are laid out in Hidden & Imminent Dangers and the author has done more than just entertain...he has given us a look into what could happen! A MUST READ!
May 14, 2014
Very good
this story was well written and immensely enjoyable if you like thrillers on viruses, which I do.I think another 100 pages or so would have been nice where I did find some action lacking.the characters are either well liked our well hated.with a few exceptions, that is.worth reading by far if you enjoy this genre
this story was well written and immensely enjoyable if you like thrillers on viruses, which I do.I think another 100 pages or so would have been nice where I did find some action lacking.the characters are either well liked our well hated.with a few exceptions, that is.worth reading by far if you enjoy this genre
October 17, 2014
Spot on
This book is exciting and fast paced. The characters are colorful and likeable with situations realistic to life today. You feel their pain and can see this situation in today's world. Scared.
This book is exciting and fast paced. The characters are colorful and likeable with situations realistic to life today. You feel their pain and can see this situation in today's world. Scared.
April 19, 2010
technical and slow moving at first, but then takes off to be a great read. Well written with exact attention to detail.
August 20, 2012
Very interesting book with a panendemics' grasp of a local community. The author having both nursing & law enforcement background make it very real.
May 21, 2014
Robbie rated this one 4.5 stars. Jim finished it on 5-20-14 and gave it 4.8 stars.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews