Review – The Gabon Virus

A top-secret group of forensic scientists investigates the past to save the future when a deadly plague infects innocent people. But as they study how an English village survived the 17th-century Black Death, they encounter 21st-century grave robberies, grisly murders, and a ghost! Who’s trying to stop them from learning the truth–and why?

I really enjoyed this book. It has a novel idea: what if the solutions to some of today’s medical/bio-warfare problems can be solved by the epidemics and plagues of yesterday. It’s a suspense on a global scale – had some Clancyesque feel to it. LOVED it! It is not for the faint of heart or big-honking chicken club card-carrying members though.

Why? Because the disease is an incredibly virulent strain of Ebola. Government agencies and a pharmaceutical company battle each other and an environmental organization that wants nothing more than to kill millions. The core of the book becomes the team of TSI: a forensic group that focuses their skills on the past.

The pages turned quickly as I tried to figure out how the different threads would come together. First, you have the government trying to stop the spread of this disease. Then you have the events in a tiny English village – some from 1666, and some modern day. Add in the pharmaceutical company and the crazy environmentalists with international implications and the plot is a dizzying web of activity – perfect for someone who loves thrillers. Overwhelming for those who don’t like that pace and stakes.

The interactions of people’s faith or lack of were woven into the story, only in rare spots stopping the plot. And the hint of romance left room for much to happen in sequels. The strength of this story is the question…will the government find the source of the plague and will TSI find the key to a cure? Be forewarned: the body count is high. This is the kind of book I would read again, but keep on a high shelf so little eyes can’t read it before they’re ready.

I can’t wait to read the next TSI installment. A very creative concept set in a genre I love.

A top-secret group of forensic scientists investigates the past to save the future when a deadly plague infects innocent people. But as they study how an English village survived the 17th-century Black Death, they encounter 21st-century grave robberies, grisly murders, and a ghost! Who’s trying to stop them from learning the truth–and why?

I really enjoyed this book. It has a novel idea: what if the solutions to some of today’s medical/bio-warfare problems can be solved by the epidemics and plagues of yesterday. It’s a suspense on a global scale – had some Clancyesque feel to it. LOVED it! It is not for the faint of heart or big-honking chicken club card-carrying members though.

Why? Because the disease is an incredibly virulent strain of Ebola. Government agencies and a pharmaceutical company battle each other and an environmental organization that wants nothing more than to kill millions. The core of the book becomes the team of TSI: a forensic group that focuses their skills on the past.

The pages turned quickly as I tried to figure out how the different threads would come together. First, you have the government trying to stop the spread of this disease. Then you have the events in a tiny English village – some from 1666, and some modern day. Add in the pharmaceutical company and the crazy environmentalists with international implications and the plot is a dizzying web of activity – perfect for someone who loves thrillers. Overwhelming for those who don’t like that pace and stakes.

The interactions of people’s faith or lack of were woven into the story, only in rare spots stopping the plot. And the hint of romance left room for much to happen in sequels. The strength of this story is the question…will the government find the source of the plague and will TSI find the key to a cure? Be forewarned: the body count is high. This is the kind of book I would read again, but keep on a high shelf so little eyes can’t read it before they’re ready.

I can’t wait to read the next TSI installment. A very creative concept set in a genre I love.

The Gabon Virus: A Novel (TSI)
The Gabon Virus: A Novel (TSI)
by Paul McCusker, Walt Larimore
List Price: $13.99
Sale Price: $0.01
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Review – The Gabon Virus
Reviewed by Cara Putman
It’s a suspense on a global scale – had some Clancyesque feel to it. LOVED it.
A top-secret group of forensic scientists investigates the past to save the future when a deadly plague infects innocent people. But as they study how an English village survived the 17th-century Black Death, they encounter 21st-century grave robberies, grisly murders, and a ghost! Who’s trying to stop them from learning the truth–and why?

I really enjoyed this book. It has a novel idea: what if the solutions to some of today’s medical/bio-warfare problems can be solved by the epidemics and plagues of yesterday. It’s a suspense on a global scale – had some Clancyesque feel to it. LOVED it! It is not for the faint of heart or big-honking chicken club card-carrying members though.

Why? Because the disease is an incredibly virulent strain of Ebola. Government agencies and a pharmaceutical company battle each other and an environmental organization that wants nothing more than to kill millions. The core of the book becomes the team of TSI: a forensic group that focuses their skills on the past.

The pages turned quickly as I tried to figure out how the different threads would come together. First, you have the government trying to stop the spread of this disease. Then you have the events in a tiny English village – some from 1666, and some modern day. Add in the pharmaceutical company and the crazy environmentalists with international implications and the plot is a dizzying web of activity – perfect for someone who loves thrillers. Overwhelming for those who don’t like that pace and stakes.

The interactions of people’s faith or lack of were woven into the story, only in rare spots stopping the plot. And the hint of romance left room for much to happen in sequels. The strength of this story is the question…will the government find the source of the plague and will TSI find the key to a cure? Be forewarned: the body count is high. This is the kind of book I would read again, but keep on a high shelf so little eyes can’t read it before they’re ready.

I can’t wait to read the next TSI installment. A very creative concept set in a genre I love.

Reviewer Info

Cara Putman


Cara Putman Since the time she could read Nancy Drew, CARA PUTMAN has wanted to write mysteries. For years she asked God if this dream was from Him. Her life was full. She graduated with honors from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Go Huskers!), moved to the Washington, DC area, married the man of her dreams, worked in the non-profit world, went to George Mason Law School at night while working, and then started having children. While her life was far from empty, the dream wouldn’t die. Then she followed her husband to Indiana. Talk about starting over!

In 2005 she attended a book signing at her local Christian bookstore. The rest, as they say, was history. There she met Colleen Coble. With prompting from her husband, Cara shared her dream with Colleen. Since those infamous words, Cara’s been writing books.

Heartsong Presents is publishing a three book series of World War Two romances: Canteen Dreams (October 2007), Sandhill Dreams (May 2008), and Captive Dreams (September 2008). Love Inspired Suspense published her first romantic suspense in May 2008. Now she’s working on the Complete Idiot’s Guide to Business Law (don’t ask!) and the first book in an Ohio World War Two series.

Cara is also an attorney, lecturer at a Big Ten university, women’s ministry leader, and all around crazy woman. Crazy about God, her husband and her kids that is.