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Fade to Blue
"Filled with vivid characters and a fast moving plot." — BookLife, Editor's Pick
"An engaging medical mystery, after which the plot becomes a swiftly paced thriller." — Kirkus Reviews
Biotech researcher Sarah Brenalen is frustrated by her boss' s dismissal of her controversial theory, so she secretly injects lab mice with experimental Alzheimer's drugs of her own design. Sarah is stunned when one of her experiments goes horribly wrong. But Marcel and his international cabal are intrigued. Sarah's brain-destroying T-3 formulation could be just what they need.
Fade to Blue is a high-tech, fast-paced, cat-and-mouse game played for keeps. What Marcel didn't count on is that two can play this game.
"The strong characters, fast-paced action, and ethical dilemmas create thought-provoking reading. . ." — Midwest Book Review
"An engaging medical mystery, after which the plot becomes a swiftly paced thriller." — Kirkus Reviews
Biotech researcher Sarah Brenalen is frustrated by her boss' s dismissal of her controversial theory, so she secretly injects lab mice with experimental Alzheimer's drugs of her own design. Sarah is stunned when one of her experiments goes horribly wrong. But Marcel and his international cabal are intrigued. Sarah's brain-destroying T-3 formulation could be just what they need.
Fade to Blue is a high-tech, fast-paced, cat-and-mouse game played for keeps. What Marcel didn't count on is that two can play this game.
"The strong characters, fast-paced action, and ethical dilemmas create thought-provoking reading. . ." — Midwest Book Review
283 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 14, 2023
64 people are currently reading
2791 people want to read
About the author
Hank Scheer
1 book18 followersHank Scheer's writing journey began during a work break at the USS-Posco steel mill when a coworker said, "Hey, let's write a short story."
He remembered that a production line had stopped running because a computer lost its memory and said, “How about this: a scientist creates a drug that destroys a person’s brain.”
Now it was a simple matter of plotting the story and writing it.
Hank is now retired and lives in Martinez, California. He enjoys writing and recording music, world travel, biking, downhill skiing, and supporting other working people fighting for a better world.
He remembered that a production line had stopped running because a computer lost its memory and said, “How about this: a scientist creates a drug that destroys a person’s brain.”
Now it was a simple matter of plotting the story and writing it.
Hank is now retired and lives in Martinez, California. He enjoys writing and recording music, world travel, biking, downhill skiing, and supporting other working people fighting for a better world.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 3, 2023
Fade to Blue is the debut novel by Hank Scheer. It tells a thrilling story of intrigue, set in the pharmaceutical industry.
Sarah is a talented pharmacologist who, in working on a drug to slow the effects of Alzheimer’s disease, has managed to create a drug which can kill off all brain function almost immediately, and there is no antidote. Before she can destroy this deadly drug she is held at gunpoint while out jogging and coerced into handing over a sample to a shady character on pain of death if she refuses.
Marcel, the shady character with the gun, proceeds to put an ankle tracker on her and another tracking device, of which she is unfortunately unaware. He tells her he wants to weaponise the drug to use against terrorists. But what if he himself is the terrorist?
There follows a high-stakes escape and a chase across California, to the airport where she manages to gain access onto a plane bound for Paris without her pursuers knowing where she has gone – or so she thinks. Marcel and his people are dogged and determined to catch her. People she comes into contact with are murdered and she is constantly worried about the safety of her loved ones.
Sarah is a likeable and believable character. Luckily for her, she holds a black belt in martial arts, gained at a young age and is very fit. She needs these skills to keep herself alive on the run. She is also an extremely intelligent human being and able to come up with clever plans to aid her survival.
Her adversary, Marcel is a smart, older, seasoned bad guy, with no qualms about threatening or injuring Sarah to keep her quiet. His team of goons are not as intelligent as he is and Sarah is able to outsmart them constantly, but not so the wily Marcel. I was kept on my toes as I read this book, wondering how it could possibly end since Sarah and Marcel seemed so evenly matched.
The pace of this fairly short novel is fast and exciting and it kept my attention. I did feel it slipped into the realms of a travelogue in Paris, with Sarah taking a walking tour of the tourist sights and visiting a museum on a free ticket given to her by her hotel. This slower-paced interlude felt a little incongruous with Sarah going sightseeing with a broken finger and possible PTSD, having just been kidnapped and escaped, leaving a bloodbath in her wake.
All in all Fade to Blue is an action-packed, fast-paced thriller with an interesting, and I imagine highly possible, premise. The moral dilemma at the centre of the unfolding drama gives the reader plenty to think about. If you enjoy thrillers, particularly medical or science-based thrillers you will undoubtedly enjoy Fade to Blue.
I received a digital review copy in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own. Thank you to iREAD Book Tours and Hank Scheer!
Sarah is a talented pharmacologist who, in working on a drug to slow the effects of Alzheimer’s disease, has managed to create a drug which can kill off all brain function almost immediately, and there is no antidote. Before she can destroy this deadly drug she is held at gunpoint while out jogging and coerced into handing over a sample to a shady character on pain of death if she refuses.
Marcel, the shady character with the gun, proceeds to put an ankle tracker on her and another tracking device, of which she is unfortunately unaware. He tells her he wants to weaponise the drug to use against terrorists. But what if he himself is the terrorist?
There follows a high-stakes escape and a chase across California, to the airport where she manages to gain access onto a plane bound for Paris without her pursuers knowing where she has gone – or so she thinks. Marcel and his people are dogged and determined to catch her. People she comes into contact with are murdered and she is constantly worried about the safety of her loved ones.
Sarah is a likeable and believable character. Luckily for her, she holds a black belt in martial arts, gained at a young age and is very fit. She needs these skills to keep herself alive on the run. She is also an extremely intelligent human being and able to come up with clever plans to aid her survival.
Her adversary, Marcel is a smart, older, seasoned bad guy, with no qualms about threatening or injuring Sarah to keep her quiet. His team of goons are not as intelligent as he is and Sarah is able to outsmart them constantly, but not so the wily Marcel. I was kept on my toes as I read this book, wondering how it could possibly end since Sarah and Marcel seemed so evenly matched.
The pace of this fairly short novel is fast and exciting and it kept my attention. I did feel it slipped into the realms of a travelogue in Paris, with Sarah taking a walking tour of the tourist sights and visiting a museum on a free ticket given to her by her hotel. This slower-paced interlude felt a little incongruous with Sarah going sightseeing with a broken finger and possible PTSD, having just been kidnapped and escaped, leaving a bloodbath in her wake.
All in all Fade to Blue is an action-packed, fast-paced thriller with an interesting, and I imagine highly possible, premise. The moral dilemma at the centre of the unfolding drama gives the reader plenty to think about. If you enjoy thrillers, particularly medical or science-based thrillers you will undoubtedly enjoy Fade to Blue.
I received a digital review copy in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own. Thank you to iREAD Book Tours and Hank Scheer!
April 4, 2023
Character driven stories are a favorite of mine and I really liked Sarah. I’m also a fan of suspense that builds in intensity and endings that aren’t clear and worry me about the outcome. In Fade To Blue I got all of that.
Sarah thought she was an ethical researcher and person. Not one to break the rules. But she gives in to temptation and that’s where the trouble really begins. The author showed me a clear picture of how this could happen to Sarah. Why she did what she did and thought the ends justified the means. But what comes next is something else entirely. This is where Sarah’s true colors show and she uses that talent for seeking answers to solve her own dilemma. I enjoyed how she thought out different scenarios, sometimes acting too quickly and trying again and again.
The opening scene had quite the hook and the plot rolled out quickly .I had to know how it ended and read the book straight through. A very satisfying ending and I’ll definitely be watching for more books by this author.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
Sarah thought she was an ethical researcher and person. Not one to break the rules. But she gives in to temptation and that’s where the trouble really begins. The author showed me a clear picture of how this could happen to Sarah. Why she did what she did and thought the ends justified the means. But what comes next is something else entirely. This is where Sarah’s true colors show and she uses that talent for seeking answers to solve her own dilemma. I enjoyed how she thought out different scenarios, sometimes acting too quickly and trying again and again.
The opening scene had quite the hook and the plot rolled out quickly .I had to know how it ended and read the book straight through. A very satisfying ending and I’ll definitely be watching for more books by this author.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
December 24, 2023
I am back with another debut novel, and it’s another thriller. This is my new go-to genre, and like the other books I’ve been introduced to, this one is a winner. This is more of a medical mystery packed with a lot of action. There are no dull moments in this book, which I can appreciate.
So, we have Sarah, who may or may not have found the cure for Alzheimer’s. My grandfather, rest his soul, had Alzheimer’s, so I was immediately hooked. You know me, I got to make a personal connection somehow with every book. Typical fashion most of the board she reported her findings to does not think she has found the cure. However, someone out there believes she has the cure and will do whatever they have to do to get it.
This book is a banger of a read. Medical anything in books was never my cup of tea, but this book gave me a new perspective on it. It wasn’t boring. This author is such a great storyteller, and the way he can capture your attention and keep it speaks volumes. Another highly recommended read.
So, we have Sarah, who may or may not have found the cure for Alzheimer’s. My grandfather, rest his soul, had Alzheimer’s, so I was immediately hooked. You know me, I got to make a personal connection somehow with every book. Typical fashion most of the board she reported her findings to does not think she has found the cure. However, someone out there believes she has the cure and will do whatever they have to do to get it.
This book is a banger of a read. Medical anything in books was never my cup of tea, but this book gave me a new perspective on it. It wasn’t boring. This author is such a great storyteller, and the way he can capture your attention and keep it speaks volumes. Another highly recommended read.
March 29, 2023
Fade to Blue is a fabulous debut for the new author Hank Scheer. I found this book to be one that held my attention from page one until all the way to the end. The mystery and suspense often had me sitting on the edge of my seat. With all of the twist and twists, I could feel my head was spinning, making it seem as though I was on a scary roller coaster. Whew, what a ride! This is one of those books I could never be able to predict as to what would happen on the following scenes, forcing me not to put it down. Sarah was a character that had me wanting to keep rooting for her. Her tale is filled with action, danger, adventure, mystery, and suspense. All of it had me thinking "what if", and if it could be something that could really happen. It looks like Hank Scheer has earned himself a new fan, and his talents have truly shown through in this book.
I am giving Fade to Blue five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading suspense filled mysteries. I am looking forward to reading more books by Hank Scheer to find out what other thrilling reads he will release in the future. This one is most definitely not one to be missed and is worth reading. Readers will not be disappointed.
I received a paperback copy of Fade to Blue from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
I am giving Fade to Blue five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading suspense filled mysteries. I am looking forward to reading more books by Hank Scheer to find out what other thrilling reads he will release in the future. This one is most definitely not one to be missed and is worth reading. Readers will not be disappointed.
I received a paperback copy of Fade to Blue from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
March 26, 2023
It’s hard to believe this is a debut novel. It has great characters, non stop action, threats of mass destruction and so much more. Sarah wanted to help find a cure for Alzheimer’s when one of her experiments goes wrong. When the wrong people find out about her mistake, they want to use it. Sarah is on a desperate trip to protect everyone she loves and also tens of thousands of others.
I had a very hard time putting this book down. I love stories about bio weapons so this boo love caught my attention right away. The authors writing style had me engaged from start to finish. I absolutely loved Sarah. She is a strong resourceful character who you can’t help but marvel at what she is capable of. Highly recommend!!!!
I had a very hard time putting this book down. I love stories about bio weapons so this boo love caught my attention right away. The authors writing style had me engaged from start to finish. I absolutely loved Sarah. She is a strong resourceful character who you can’t help but marvel at what she is capable of. Highly recommend!!!!
September 9, 2023
This plot is implausible.
The plot of this book could be improved in dozens of ways. I don’t believe a French racist group could be so well organized and well funded. Why does the main character flee to France and then stay there? She should have gone immediately to Switzerland to get her money secured. No villains get killed, but several innocents/ bystanders are killed. This needed 3 + more rounds of editing.
The plot of this book could be improved in dozens of ways. I don’t believe a French racist group could be so well organized and well funded. Why does the main character flee to France and then stay there? She should have gone immediately to Switzerland to get her money secured. No villains get killed, but several innocents/ bystanders are killed. This needed 3 + more rounds of editing.
August 23, 2025
Quite a Different Medical Thriller Than What You Might Expect
This was a good story, even with it containing improbable events like assassins, good intentions, an interesting medical break-through, and a lot of deaths.
Most of the story is believable, except for how good the “bad guys” are at bugging people with tracking devices, and other such spy tools.
This book will not become your most favorite Thriller, but it is worth your time and effort to read it.
This was a good story, even with it containing improbable events like assassins, good intentions, an interesting medical break-through, and a lot of deaths.
Most of the story is believable, except for how good the “bad guys” are at bugging people with tracking devices, and other such spy tools.
This book will not become your most favorite Thriller, but it is worth your time and effort to read it.
August 25, 2023
Rapidly moving thriller
Well written story that grabs you with action and tension in the first chapter and does not let go until the last page. Excellent choices of real places throughout, with sufficient rich description to make them come alive. Great characters facing real problems. Recommend it to anyone who loves a good thriller.
Well written story that grabs you with action and tension in the first chapter and does not let go until the last page. Excellent choices of real places throughout, with sufficient rich description to make them come alive. Great characters facing real problems. Recommend it to anyone who loves a good thriller.
December 26, 2024
"Fade to Blue" is a gripping medical thriller. Sarah is a brilliant pharmacologist who decides to go rogue for all the right reasons. Unfortunately, her actions draw attention from the wrong people, and the consequences could be deadly.
I was on the edge of my seat reading this fast-paced book.
I won "Fade to Blue" from a Goodreads Giveaway. I want to thank both the author, Hank Scheer, and Goodreads for the opportunity to read this book.
I was on the edge of my seat reading this fast-paced book.
I won "Fade to Blue" from a Goodreads Giveaway. I want to thank both the author, Hank Scheer, and Goodreads for the opportunity to read this book.
January 27, 2025
#Goodreads Giveaways
I received a kindle copy of Fade to Blue in a Goodreads Giveaway.
Thank you to the author and publisher.
It took a few tries to get started, but only a couple days to read once I was interested in the story. Written to be a thriller, FtB is not as fast paced as I normally like, but the idea of turning an experimental drug into a weapon was fresh to me.
I received a kindle copy of Fade to Blue in a Goodreads Giveaway.
Thank you to the author and publisher.
It took a few tries to get started, but only a couple days to read once I was interested in the story. Written to be a thriller, FtB is not as fast paced as I normally like, but the idea of turning an experimental drug into a weapon was fresh to me.
November 10, 2024
Okay come on through now. I rarely read a book non-stop keep my interest all the way through bravo! It was giving everything and all things medical, thriller, drama, and I give you credit for it. And anytime a writer can throw in my city of Compton, I got you on the review lol!
May 28, 2025
Fairly good story about a drug developed by accident while trying to find an alzheimers cure. It certainly keeps you guessing, and while the ending is expected, how it gets there is absolutely worth the read. If you like biohazard stories, or medical drama, this is a book you'll likely enjoy.
April 9, 2023
A thriller that draws you in. Well-written. Elicits thought about ethics in scientific research.
May 28, 2023
Excellent thriller with a great premise. Lots of twists and turns and suspense. I enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it to book clubs that enjoy mystery thrillers.
June 19, 2023
I've been so hungry for a good medical thriller! I risk reading this into the wee hours. So good.
September 24, 2023
Really enjoyed this book...right up until it ended very abruptly. Leaving everything open ended and unresolved. Very unsatisfying.
April 3, 2023
Fade to Blue by Hank Scheer is an incredibly suspenseful thriller! From the opening pages, I was fully immersed in the mystery. Although the premise is almost unbelievable, the author grips the reader so tightly that they don’t care about the story's believability; they just want to read more.
The main character, Sarah, is a scientist with unmatched intelligence. However, she is also extremely relatable. Her passion for finding a cure for Alzheimer's disease leads her to make an unethical research decision that endangers her life, as well as the lives of her friends and family.
With no discernible way to distinguish between the bioterrorists and the legitimate government agents, she is forced to repeatedly fight for her life and flee the country. I won't provide additional plot details because it's a story best experienced firsthand, without any external influence.
It's hard to believe that this is a debut novel. Fade to Blue is well-written and obviously extensively researched. The characters, settings, and action keep the reader turning pages long into the night. This book is definitely hard to put down; I read it from start to finish in just a few hours. Fade to Blue is a breathtaking, heart-pounding, suspenseful thriller that receives my highest recommendation for fans of this genre.
The main character, Sarah, is a scientist with unmatched intelligence. However, she is also extremely relatable. Her passion for finding a cure for Alzheimer's disease leads her to make an unethical research decision that endangers her life, as well as the lives of her friends and family.
With no discernible way to distinguish between the bioterrorists and the legitimate government agents, she is forced to repeatedly fight for her life and flee the country. I won't provide additional plot details because it's a story best experienced firsthand, without any external influence.
It's hard to believe that this is a debut novel. Fade to Blue is well-written and obviously extensively researched. The characters, settings, and action keep the reader turning pages long into the night. This book is definitely hard to put down; I read it from start to finish in just a few hours. Fade to Blue is a breathtaking, heart-pounding, suspenseful thriller that receives my highest recommendation for fans of this genre.
June 28, 2023
My Summary in 5 words:
▪️Smart
▪️Captivating
▪️Terrifying
▪️Addictive
▪️Suspenseful
This story caught my attention from page 1, and I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next. I am not a sci-fi reader, by any means. There was something about this story that intrigued me, and I was not disappointed! This is an action-packed debut novel that is truly a must-read.
A scientist, researching a possible cure for Alzheimers, accidentally creates a drug that leaves a person brain-dead within seconds. A terrorist group finds out and wants the drug, and says they won’t hurt her if she cooperates. But can she trust them? SHOULD she trust them? They seem to be watching her every move, have her phones and computers monitored, and may even have a GPS tracker in her shoes. This drug is lethal, and all she knows of their plan is that they want to develop an edible version. She could be responsible for countless deaths if she cooperates.
▪️Smart
▪️Captivating
▪️Terrifying
▪️Addictive
▪️Suspenseful
This story caught my attention from page 1, and I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next. I am not a sci-fi reader, by any means. There was something about this story that intrigued me, and I was not disappointed! This is an action-packed debut novel that is truly a must-read.
A scientist, researching a possible cure for Alzheimers, accidentally creates a drug that leaves a person brain-dead within seconds. A terrorist group finds out and wants the drug, and says they won’t hurt her if she cooperates. But can she trust them? SHOULD she trust them? They seem to be watching her every move, have her phones and computers monitored, and may even have a GPS tracker in her shoes. This drug is lethal, and all she knows of their plan is that they want to develop an edible version. She could be responsible for countless deaths if she cooperates.
April 4, 2023
If you have been around awhile, you know that I read and choose books based on cover. I don’t typically read what the story line is about. If the cover looks interesting, I give it a try.
I really had zero idea what to expect with Fade to Blue but I worried for nothing.
Fade to Blue was a fast paced, international, who can outwit who thrill ride that kept me intrigued and engaged. It was definitely different than the mystery reads that I am used to.
In Fade to Blue, we know who the bad guy is – mostly – and who the good guy is, but how the game is played is definitely unknown and keeps you riveted in the story as one player tries to outsmart the other.
If you enjoy a thrilling chase; Fade to Blue would be right up your alley.
I really had zero idea what to expect with Fade to Blue but I worried for nothing.
Fade to Blue was a fast paced, international, who can outwit who thrill ride that kept me intrigued and engaged. It was definitely different than the mystery reads that I am used to.
In Fade to Blue, we know who the bad guy is – mostly – and who the good guy is, but how the game is played is definitely unknown and keeps you riveted in the story as one player tries to outsmart the other.
If you enjoy a thrilling chase; Fade to Blue would be right up your alley.
March 16, 2023
Has Sarah discovered a cure for Alzheimer's disease, the ethics committee don't think so but someone certainly does and they will do whatever it takes to get there hands on it including murder. Fade to Blue certainly packs a punch in the way of discovering what a cure Alzheimer's would mean to so many people. I personally would love to see a cure for this horrible and life taking disease which not only affects the patient but all there family and friends. My heart was in my throat with the suspense of what would happen to Sarah and this book leaves on a bit of a cliffhanger so I would love a sequel.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews