Plaguemaker

Since the debut of Tim Downs' Bug Man books ("ShooFly Pie" and "Chop Shop"), I've eagerly awaiting anything else of his. He's shown a penchant for creating memorable characters, then wrapping them into a plot that involves creepy-crawlies. "Plague Maker" continues this trend, with a story of plague-carrying fleas and a sardonic hero. Although Nick Polchak (the Bug Man) makes a humorous cameo appearance, the story revolves around two older men with long-standing grudges, and the angry FBI agent, Nathan Donovan. Slowly, Donovan unravels the motives of these older men and uncovers a monstrous threat against the United States. Flashbacks are used effectively, and the story gallops along to a high-seas finale. A few weeks ago I finished another thriller that's been featured in bookstores across the country. That book was titled "The Faithful Spy." As I read Tim Downs' "Plague Maker," I found myself comparing the two. They both feature terrorist attacks planned against the US; they both show intensive research and narrative skill; they both wrap big ideas around likeable, believable characters. Downs' book is equal to the other book on every level, but exceeds it in moments of comic relief, and in the portrayal of vengeance and forgiveness. "Plague Maker" is never preachy or pedantic, but it uses nicely the motif of the plague--and the plague of hatred and bitterness that plagues us all on some level. Once again, Downs' proves to be a master of character and suspense.

This is my first book by Tim Downs, but it won't be my last. PLAGUE MAKER was a fabulous read! Totally engrossing, interesting detail into bioterrorism and a wonderfully flawed hero and heroine. Even the secondary characters were fully developed and almost stole the show. I expected a great thriller, but got so much more with the way he superbly wove in the theme of the importance of forgiveness.

Tim Downs has once again taken the mundane and spun a story of terrorism sure to capture your imagination. This is one of the most unique books I've read in quite a while.

It started with a homicide - unusual only because of thousands of fleas exterminated in the room where the corpse was found. FBI agent Nathan Donovan, stationed in New York City with the Joint Terrorism Task Force, is called in because these particular fleas - found only in the Orient - can carry bubonic plague. A refined 80-year-old Chinese gentleman offers a theory for the purpose behind the fleas' presence in a NYC apartment, but his decades-old story holds little hard evidence. To help confirm his story, the FBI calls in Dr. Macy Monroe, a professor and government consultant who specializes in the psychology of terrorism - and who just happens to be Donovan's ex. As the two form a hostile truce, Li's story continues to build credibility. Heart-rending tales produced by the horror of World War II become known as Li focuses his quest on the one man who has hurt him most and now has the power to kill millions. A race against time begins, and Donovan and Macy can no longer ignore the tragedy that tore them apart. This book has it all - rising suspense, layered characters, thrilling action, and a powerful message. The result is a tale more memorable than a typical bioterrorism novel, one that probes deeply into characters and their motivations, making them integral to the plot rather than just along for the ride. Fans of Down's `Bug Man' novels will enjoy Nick Polchak's brief appearance. This novel has wide appeal - readers from open-minded teens to thrill-seeking grandparents can enjoy the book at different levels. -- Katie Hart, Christian Book Previews.com