The Deadliest Strain

The eighth novel in Jim and Nikoo McGoldrick's popular Jan Coffey series imagines a post-9/11 world of danger and paralyzing, if not always warranted, fear. It's a world of microbiology research labs funded by global corporations and national governments of varying competence and moral intent. The "deadliest strain" of the title is a flesh-eating microbe that induces rapid death, decomposition and contagion. When several victims of the infection are discovered near Portland, Maine, the US Homeland Security Agency suspects terrorism. Deadly Strain is an intriguing story with dramatic twists, and vibrant, if mostly cinema-style, characters [including the African-American US President John Penn, introduced in Coffey's earlier book, Silent Waters].

I judge a book partly by how quick I read through it. This one I read in 12 hours. Nikoo and Jim McGoldrick have put together a real page-turner that I could not put down. It isn't non-stop action, but it's non-stop suspense as you try to work through what is happening as you read the pages. I appreciated the factual insight into Kurdish culture and liked the way it was woven into the storyline. I will definitely be reading more books by this husband/wife duo who goes by the pseudonym of Jan Coffey.

This was very suspenseful. I couldn't put the book down. A flesh-eating bacteria was very quickly killing people and it kept you by the seat of your pants until the end when it was revealed who the culprit was. I highly recommend this book.

The premise is a flesh eating disease has struck the US in what appears to be a terrorist attack. The DNA of the quick(like hours) acting disease is similar to one found at a lab in Iraq early in the war. As luck would have it the US Gov't has the DR found at this lab in a prison in Afghanistan and a team is sent to talk with HER. But when the lead investigator gets there he begins to have doubts as to her involvement as well as doubts about her. As the US health team races from one horrific incident of death to another caused by the disease trying to find the common denominator, the team with the DR leaves Afghanistan to travel to Northern Iraq, home to the Kurds and then into Iran for answers. To say more would spoil it for the reader. but the story is beautifully written with strong emotions, and is poignant in its disclosure of the effects of governments' actions on the people who are the innocent victims in political wars. The pace is a fast roller coaster ride as each event pushed the reader to an incredibly satisfying conclusion, truly have the tissues ready. Reading the Author's note will make it clear why this book was a labor of love for her. Here's hoping we hear more from Coffey in future offerings about these two wonderfully developed protagonists THE DEADLIEST STRAIN is a rich tale of devotion to job, family and culture. Jan Coffey has entered brave new ground with THE DEADLIEST STRAIN and is a must read.

Looking for a hot, sexy romantic suspense? Look elsewhere. "The Deadliest Strain" is published by Mira, and Jan Coffey has turned out some good romantic suspense novels. But this book is a thriller first. The main protagonists, the imprisoned Dr Banaz and the immunologist sent to draw out her secrets, do develop a deep and touching attachment. But without giving away the plot, let me tell you not to expect passionate escapades. What you will find is a complex and original plot, well-drawn characters, gripping suspense and a rich tangle of questions. The plot raises many questions about US policies in Iraq and Afghanistan, including secret CIA prisons. President Penn, elected in Coffey's previous work, "Silent Waters," is back and wrestling with the balance between national security and national integrity. If you found "Silent Waters" to be "political propaganda," as one reviewer did, you probably won't like "The Deadliest Strain" any better, but I have to say I loved them both.