Pandemic

By: Robin Cook

Narrated by: George Guidall

Length: 11 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Times best-selling author Robin Cook takes on the cutting-edge world of gene modification in this pulse-pounding new medical thriller.

When an unidentified, seemingly healthy young woman collapses suddenly on the New York City subway and dies upon reaching the hospital, her case is an eerie reminder for veteran medical examiner Jack Stapleton of the 1918 flu pandemic. Fearful of a repeat on the 100th anniversary of the nightmarish contagion, Jack autopsies the woman within hours of her demise and discovers some striking anomalies: first, that she has had a heart transplant, and second, that, against all odds, her DNA matches that of the transplanted heart.

Although the facts don't add up to influenza, Jack must race against the clock to identify the woman and determine what kind of virus could wreak such havoc - a task made more urgent when two other victims succumb to a similar rapid death. But nothing makes sense until his investigation leads him into the fascinating realm of CRISPR/CAS9, a gene-editing biotechnology that's captured the imagination of the medical community...and the attention of its most unethical members. Drawn into the dark underbelly of the organ transplant market, Jack will come face to face with a megalomaniacal businessman willing to risk human lives in order to conquer a lucrative new frontier in medicine - and if Jack's not careful, the next life lost might be his own.

©2018 Robin Cook (P)2018 Penguin Audio

Good book, massive jerk as the main character

The book was great. very scientifically sound, scary and riveting as a possible future example of a pandemic.
BUT
it was impossible for me to sympathize with Jack. The guy is beyond selfish. he ignores his work in pursuit of the subway case and lies to his wife all the time. He has NO sympathy for his wife's position as his boss and disrespects her constantly. He is right a lot, but he is also always so damn sure he is I was constantly hoping he'd be wrong. He also seemed quite sure that he alone was solving this case despite a massive number of people, mainly Aeritha, seriously helping him along.
The book really was wonderful, but I just wanted somone to punch Jack in the face the whole time haha

Reader

The reader talks too fast so you have to totally concentrate on what he is saying.

Narrator

Book was good. Narrator did a good job reading the book, but didnt feel his voice matched the character.

pretty not bad

narrator, great! I loved the twists and unexpected turns. I was a little disappointed the ending came kind of abruptly. I felt there could have been a sequel or hanging ending that led to a subsequent novel.

Always awesome

I have been a fan of Robin Cook for some time. This was predictably enjoyable

Great Book - Bad Narration

I love Robin Cook but the narration of George Guidall is distracting. He reads like he is always trying to catch his breath which causes unnecessary pauses in the wrong places. I may have to go back to reading my Robin Cook novels.

Jack Stapleton needs to retire!

I've been reading Robin Cook for years, and in his earlier novels the character of Jack Stapleton made sense and was, to some degree, relatable. Its sad to see how badly he's aged. Now a curmudgeonly old Luddite, Jack is easily confused by things like tattoos and Pinterest. He also labors under the impression that Kung Pao chicken is an actual Chinese dish. I spent so much time wondering why Cook clings so tenaciously to this tired old character that I barely perceived the rest of the story. And if that's not bad enough this narrator is flat as a deflated balloon and equally as engaging. Every character, men and women, young and old, sound identical. I struggled throughout the novel to determine who was speaking.

If you're looking for a story about an actual pandemic, I would suggest the novel *Pandemic* by A. G. Riddle, or Cook's earlier work *Outbreak*. Or, Hell, even *The Stand* by Stephen King! But pandemics, like memorable characters, is something this book lacks.

Interesting

Interesting take on real world scientific progress. Not very believable in some areas of “action” but still an interesting story.

Another good Robin Cook book!

Once again, Robin Cook has enthralled me with his medical adventures. Loved it! Highly recommended.

Great Timing

Pandemic, its another win for. Jack and Laurie series..I love this series of medical thrillers