Two children die of a disease thought to be nonexistence in the United States. Within hours, thoroughbreds at the legendary Churchill Downs are dying of a virus that cannot be identified, even by the most expert veterinarians. Called in to solve these lethal mysteries, noted virologist Jack Bryne discovers the two bear uncanny similarities to the Fifth and Sixth Plagues described in the Book of Exodus. And the horror is just beginning... Every month another monstrosity claims its victims. Every month brings the reenactment of another more catastrophic plague. Soon Bryne's own worldwide medical computer network, ProMED, is invaded by the power behind the horrors--a diabolically intelligent serial killer with a sophisticated knowledge of toxins and an obsession with a with biblical retribution. To make matters worse, the FBI is convinced Bryne himself is the killer. Caught between both sides, the brilliant virus hunter joins forces with his bright lab assistant, an ambitious TV newswoman, and a young religious scholar to find this madman and stop him before it's too late. But even Bryne does not know how close the killer is...until he meets this modern medical Moriarity on a midnight confrontation that will determine the future of the world.
This was an exceptional book it was put together in a manner to keep you wanting more. From my standpoint this book was very good and it is comparable to The Hot Zone (another great read). The ideas were well thought out and it was not incredibly hard to read. For example the last paragraph of the book reads,"Dr. John Bryne didnt need 'LMPG'(Le My People Go)on the screen to understand that the Eleventh Plague was still to come. He realized he was now about to battle with a dead man." I would definetly reccomend this book to any one who likes to think.
This is one great book!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
This book is really hard to put down. I had many bleary eyed days at work because I kept telling myself, "Just one more chapter", while reading this book at bedtime each night. I appreciate it that the author didn't try to "dumb down" the writing. Using enough true medical terms and facts that I learned a few new things and a new word here and there (i.e Gran Mal seizure).
Not for the faint of heart...
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
This book was incredible. I read medical thrillers all the time and they don't usually get to me the way this one did. By the time I read the part about the itching disease, I was so scared that I started itching too and made myself break out in hives. Small price to pay though, because the book was so fantastic.
The best I've read in a long time!!!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 26 years ago
As an avid novel reader with a propensity towards technical thrillers, I thoroughly enjoyed the 11th Plague, and whole heartily recommend this book. I'm sure any fan of Dean Koontz or Robin Cook will feel the same. I found that the original idea, well-developed characters, and attention to detail combined to make this innovative story not only believable, but also an intense ride that I was sorry had to end. In this world of recycled storylines, it is refreshing to find such a rare and wonderful exception. I can't wait to see if the movie does the book justice! Until then, I look forward to the sequel, or any other tales conceived by the imagination of these two guys.
A medical novel for thinking persons.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 26 years ago
The Eleventh Plague is a thinking person's medical novel. As a physician involved directly in international and U.S. infectious disease control work for 16 years, I appreciated that the tongue-in-cheek storyline in this fast paced book only underscores the brilliant underlying scientific reasoning behind it. For those who want the complete medical and scientific details, there is a top rated companion Web site with innumerable references, quotes and historical trivia. For me the lighter touch, great for night reading and travel(which I do too much of), did not shortchange on substance. Far from a laundry list of past plagues or a textbook, this tightly reasoned novel actually posits a plausible yet fascinating re-interpretation of the bible and religious traditions based on cutting edge clinical epidemiology. Only a world class disease detective, who himself had manuevered around in the bureaucratic trenches of 20th century government agencies to fight epidemics and prepare us for bio-terrorism , could piece this puzzle together for us.The Eleventh Plague allows us to reflect about disease, biothreats, our fragile civilization and, most importantly, ourselves.
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