Infected

A Novel

By: Scott Sigler

Narrated by: Scott Sigler

Length: 11 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

Across America a mysterious disease is turning ordinary people into raving, paranoid murderers who inflict brutal horrors on strangers, themselves, and even their own families. 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.

©2008 Scott Sigler (P)2008 Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Part Stephen King, part Chuck Palahniuk, 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, New York Times bestselling author of The Judas Strain and Black Order

“Powerfully written . . . an unforgettable central character.” —Dallas Morning News

“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... Infected is a marvel of gonzo, in-your-face, up-to-the-minute terror.”—Lincoln Child, New York Times bestselling author of Deep Storm and Death Match

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?

COLUMBO IS HERE, ISN'T HE?

FEED US, WE HUNGRY
NO BOUT A DOUT IT, this is gory. There is a part where this guy cuts both his legs off, that will probably never leave my memory. That is only one of very many. At first I thought this was going to be very silly. The writing as a whole and in the beginning are not real professional. Sigler's ability to make you cringe and to tell an interesting story and to tie all the loose ends together are uncanny. Amongst all the gore, there is a mystery, a very intriguing mystery, that keeps you reading. Things said and done early on, start to make a lot more sense towards the end.

SOMEONE'S KNOCKING AT THE DOOR,
A few problems kept this from being a five star. As already mentioned the writer seems a little less polished in parts, a good editor was needed. I got tired of the, I was abused by my dad theme (not too original). Towards the end of the book, he even seems to approve of abusive fathers. Scott is a better narrator then a lot of author narrator, he does good voices, but the main narration part, is very boring at times. A good professional narrator could have made these parts more interesting. Course, a good editor would have eliminated a lot of these parts to begin with.

LET THEM IN
This book is worth your consideration, if you are not bother by gore and bad language. I know that I will listen to the sequel.

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!

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.

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!

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.

Worst narration of 846 audiobooks I have

My GOD. In 12 years membership with Audible I have acquired 846 audiobooks. Some have had bad narrators. But never so bad as to make me cringe. Sigler has a great voice, and in the beginning I thought all was well-for a few seconds. His voices are like fingernails on a blackboard. Seriously, I have listened to 846 Audible audiobooks, all unabridged and this is so bad I want to cry. The narration destroys this great story, which I read and loved. The narration may make you as sick as the disease in the book.

AMAZING

What made the experience of listening to Infected the most enjoyable?

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

What did you like best about this story?

The plot and characters

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The entire thing

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.

Started well but became... tiresome.

Would you consider the audio edition of Infected to be better than the print version?

Always, Audio is always better imo

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

Narration was ok, the author narrates and he openly admits that some of his narration is wanting, the voice acting is bloody awful. I know it adds to the story to be able to differentiete between characters but i think it could be toned down a bit. Sound effects sometimes make it hard to actually hear the words (when driving at 70mph anyway). His women's voice.. my god, just stop doing it. I was close to skipping sections.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Sometimes makes your cringe when describing various self 'harm' shall we say.

Any additional comments?

I found the last 30 minutes of the book a struggle and the ending felt rushed. I am not sure if i will bother with book 2 in the series.. I'm looking for a new stephen pacey narrated book :)

Well paced, gripping and VERY gory.

When I first started Scott Sigler’s Infected, I must admit to being a little disappointed in the narration. Scott narrates the books himself, but I’d just finished a series of great books with truly amazing character actors narrating, so with hindsight it was a little unfair.



Scott uses some light voice effects to differentiate between some of his characters voices, and also uses sound and music to really bring the story and some of the characters alive. Whether it’s to counter limitations in his own vocal ability or not, it’s a good technique and I grew to love it.



Let me say upfront, Infected’s story line is in a genre I love, but it’s right up there with the best of them. Believable characters which are well developed, a story which is well paced and (sounds) well researched, nice twists, and is a real (metaphorical) page turner that keeps you gripped right up to the very end. Oh yes, and really really gory, with his descriptions painting such an immersive picture, I squirmed several times.....and I'm not in the least bit squeamish. (Chicken scissors anyone?!)



If you like this genre, I say go for it. If you don’t then I’m sure Mills and Boon books are also available.

Some good ideas, but felt a little disappointed.

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Probably not, because I only recommend books I love.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

A bit disappointed. I know it is the first in a series but I felt I wanted to know more at this point.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

Narrator was fine, but one or two voices a bit annoying.

Do you think Infected needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

There is plenty more to tell, I would imagine.

Any additional comments?

Not a bad book but not a great one. The following one may be worth a listen.

BUY THIS BOOK

This was my first SS book, I love how he narrates, he can not sing, it almost put me off but otherwise it's great. I love the triangles voices, nice little touch. This is a great book, you get completely invested and care what happens and it's so so involving . Buy this, it's so so so good, you won't regret it.

Making me itch

Amazingly great book. Had me hooked from the beginning.. fast paced with loads of real science.

Now I'm terrified of triangles!

This book was simply amazing. Best audio book I've listened to. loved the narration and now hooked on Scott Sigler.

thoroughly entertaining and intense

A lovely book - this is meant in the nicest and best way, it felt like a book written by an incredibly enthusiastic learner author - which made it all the better.

Once you accept the concept of the story, it bowls along, really exciting and I really wanted to know what happened to the protagonist.

I will be buying the sequel for sure

Starts off great, but goes downhill - it's ok

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

If you'd asked me that half way through I'd have said yes. After reading the whole book, no I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend it.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Rubbish, but in my opinion the second half pretty much was.

What aspect of Scott Sigler’s performance might you have changed?

I really didn't rate the narration, very monotone. There are worse out there but it did take me a while to get into it.

Do you think Infected needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No. Although I am aware there are some out there already.

Any additional comments?

It starts off really well and follows a couple of characters all experiencing something bad. It's well written, graphic and very immersive. It then gets silly and very average.

Thiird listen still great!!

The best audiobook I've ever read. No bout a doubt it. Setting up the Siglerverse beautifully. Fantastic science linked together beautifully with stomping action. but the real genius is in the characterization. setting up some of my favourite characters including Murrray Longworth, Scary Perry Dorsey, Dew Phillips and Margaret Motoyah. just watch their character arcs develop.

Body horror at it's best!

If this doesn't give you the crawlies you are made of stone.
Love this book.
Not the best SciFy ever since you start having some questions about the entire endeavor but still very gripping.