Working under the government's shroud of secrecy, CIA operative Dew Phillips crisscrosses the country trying in vain to capture a live victim.
With only decomposing corpses for clues, CDC epidemiologist Margaret Montoya races to analyze the science behind this deadly contagion. She discovers that these killers all have one thing in common - they've been contaminated by a bioengineered parasite, shaped by a complexity far beyond the limits of known science.
Meanwhile, Perry Dawsey - a hulking former football star now resigned to life as a cubicle-bound desk jockey - awakens one morning to find several mysterious welts growing on his body. Soon Perry finds himself acting and thinking strangely, hearing voices....He is infected. The fate of the human race may well depend on the bloody war Perry must wage with his own body, because the parasites want something from him, something that goes beyond mere murder.
Infected was the first major print release from Internet phenom Scott Sigler, whose podcast-only audiobooks have drawn an immense cult following, with more than three million individual episodes downloaded. Now Sigler thrills listeners with this cinematic, relentlessly paced novel that mixes and matches genres, combining horror, techno thriller, and suspense in a heady mix that is equal parts Chuck Palahniuk, Michael Crichton, and Stephen King.
©2008 Scott Sigler; (P)2008 Random House, Inc.
"Sigler is masterful at grabbing the reader by the throat and refusing to let go. Just when I thought I knew what abyss he was leading me across, he knocked the bridge out from under... I think I screamed the whole way down." (Lincoln Child)
"Infected blends science fiction and horror into a pulpy masterpiece of action, terror, and suspense....Three recommendations: don't read it at night, or just after you've eaten a full meal, or if you're weak of heart....You've been warned!" (James Rollins)
"Confused? This review might help."
Listeners who are unfamiliar with Scott Sigler might be wondering about all the strange reviews of this novel:
A few years ago, when Mr. Sigler was an aspiring author, he began publishing his novels online in podcast form. Every week, he read a chapter aloud and made it available to his podcast subscribers for free. The stories were pretty damn entertaining, and his podcast became one of the most popular feeds on the internet. His fans call themselves "junkies" because of their addiction to Scott's weekly fiction "fix". He produced several free online audiobooks in this fashion, and all were eventually printed by small publishing houses.
"Infected" was his first novel to be picked up by a major publisher. Marketing an audiobook was problematic because Scott had already read the book on his podcast for free. Hence, this Director's Cut. (If you look in the pupil on the cover, it says "Director's Cut" in blue letters.) This version contains several scenes that are missing from the free podcast version and the print novel. They're not crucial to the story, but they are entertaining.
As other reviewers have stated, this is a horror novel for listeners with a strong stomach. Don't expect a Robin Cook style medical thriller. What porn is to sex, this book is to violence and vulgarity. Having stated those disclaimers, let me say it's a damn good page-turner. Imagine a good Michael Crichton book crossed with Stephen King, as told by Quentin Tarantino. In my opinion it's worth the credit. (Actually, I spent cash for this, and I don't regret it.)
The book contains graphic violence, constant swearing, non-sexual violence against women, male genital mutilation, and a racial slur. It does NOT contain: sex, drugs, rape, animal cruelty, gang violence, or hate crimes.
If you've made it this far, thanks for looking at my wordy review of "Infected." Who says audiobook lovers can't read?
"Violence?? - yeah, LOTS AND LOTS!!!"
Ok, yes, I'm a Sigler Junkie. I was over-joyed to see this on Audible. I listened to the podcast, I bought the hardcover (I'll be donating that to my local library.). I cannot wait to see Contagious (the sequel) come out. I would love to see Scott's other books on Audible as well. As always, his production is top-notch. His enthusiasm for the story comes through in this performance. My highest recommendation for this book.
"Good Story Listening to the Sequel Now"
I thought this book was a great story.
People complained about the voices he does but he's just getting started. The voices are much better in Contagious (the second book).
Parts of this book had me laughing out loud and other parts had me cringing.
I have started and not finished a lot of audio books because I lose interest. This book kept my attention all the way through.
I have the Contagious halfway finished and I'm looking forward to more titles from this author.
Keep 'em coming Mr. Sigler!
"JUST PURE FUN!!!"
OMG! A GREAT "what if" ride! I don't care how "bad" folks thought the author read this book. (I don't like the way Stephen King reads his books either but it doesn't stop me from listening) I enjoyed this book soooo much! I drive for a living and I listen to LOTS of books and there are some I have by very popular writers that I have had to turn off because they were putting me to sleep...not this one though...I had to force myself to stop. Am posting same review on his other book cuz I feel the same...hope he writes lots more...
"Amazing!"
This audiobook seems like an action-packed movie. While violent and gory, the story progresses rapidly and the reader is gripped by the suspense and tension. Very entertaining. I eagerly anticipate his next novel. Definitely buy this one if you would like to be entertained and would not be put off by the graphic violence.
"The new Stephen King"
This story is totally addictive. You won't want to stop listening. It's disgusting and terrifying and perfect! This is absolutely amazing. I have been a Stephen King fan for ever and I have never come across anyone that can entertain me like he does. Until now - Scott Sigler is the new Master of Horror!
"AMAZING"
It took a few chapters to capture my attention and to get used to Scott's voice and style of narration...but WOW, I am really glad I gave it a chance. One of the most interesting and creative plots I have ever
The plot and characters
The entire thing
"my all time favorite book - Go Scott!"
This book was totally enjoyable and creepy but just loved it - became a huge Scott Sigler fan and have read everything but love this one the most. I keep hearing the "feed me..." in my head all the time. I tell everyone about this book! Just loved it.
"Creepy"
Love these books! I am a big fan of plague and Zombie books and thought this was well written. Alot of you are commenting that you did not like his vocal version of the book, but I thought he did well. Some parts were even funny to me and some parts made me flinch! Thanks Scott for these really entertaining books. I was absolutely addicted.
"Different but good!"
I went into this book thinking it was a zombie type story. It’s not a zombie story but once I got into it, I liked it. It has some pretty disgusting moments in the book. Overall I would recommend this book. If anything to get to the second book which is just AWESOME!