Whiteout

By: Ken Follett

Narrated by: Josephine Bailey

Length: 12 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

"Everyone likes a page-turner, and Follett is the best."—The Philadelphia Inquirer

"A hell of a storyteller" (Entertainment Weekly), #1 New York Times bestselling author Ken Follett reinvents the thriller with each new novel. But nothing matches the intricate knife-edge drama of Whiteout. . . .

A missing canister of a deadly virus. A lab technician bleeding from the eyes. Toni Gallo, the security director of a Scottish medical research firm, knows she has problems, but she has no idea of the nightmare to come.

As a Christmas Eve blizzard whips out of the north, several people, Toni among them, converge on a remote family house. All have something to gain or lose from the drug developed to fight the virus. As the storm worsens, the emotional sparks—jealousies, distrust, sexual attraction, rivalries—crackle; desperate secrets are revealed; hidden traitors and unexpected heroes emerge. Filled with startling twists at every turn, Whiteout rockets Follett into a class by himself.

Don't miss Ken Follet discussing the history of the thriller and its role in literature at the 92nd Street Y.

©2004 Ken Follett (P)2004 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"A blizzard of treachery and violence...an adrenaline-pumping thriller." (The Associated Press)

"[A] feverish plot." (Rocky Mountain News)

"Movie-style twists and hairbreadth escapes." (The Wall Street Journal)

So good but scary

One of the best authors out there, this novel was excellent! I’m sure there are terrorist organizations just dying to get their hands on deadly infectious viruses. I loved the characters, true to life.

Another Follett Success Story (Pun Intended)

Great plot, superb structure, compelling characters; all a reader can reasonably ask for in a quick read! Follett traditionally constructs his novels around a strong female central character. This novel follows that same blueprint. Expect the normal deeply researched backdrop of men and women of good and bad disposition/character. Finally, expect to be thrilled to the last page!

Follett always comes through

slow start for me. but it certainly picked up quickly. was right there in the chase scenes! wonderful writing as always.

Nail biting story!

This was an excellent storyline. Suspense, family intrigue & and a window into the destructive results of incurable viruses!

Enjoyed contemporary follet

It was interesting to read a Follett book about characters and situations in my own world. I also appreciated Josephine Bailey's narration.

Fabulous!

Another great Follett book! Follett's characters come alive in all their diversity as they intertwine in this suspenseful novel.

Not his best

I am a huge Ken Follett fan but this book had too many repetitive character introductions and not enough suspense. For a true Follett fan I would say read it but I think this one could turn off someone who is new to his writing.

A great plot, unlike Follett.

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

The suspense at the end.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Tony,the heroine.

Which scene was your favorite?

When the ugly, bald woman was run over(name?)

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

When the perfume bottle with the virus was exchanged for water.

Any additional comments?

A very exciting tale that hopefully won't actually happen.

Excellent Narration!

First the negatives: This was not one of my favorites by Follet. The first half plods a long with a lot of telling when he could be showing. I used to love everything Follet wrote, but after years of being an editor and teaching creative writing, I have little patience with head-hopping in point of view (which the author does pretty often) and needless explaining to the reader.

Also, I wish he would write stronger female characters. His spend an inordinate amount of time making sure their word choice and actions would be pleasing to the male characters. I noticed this in the last book I listened to by Follet, but it was a period piece, so that trait would be more in keeping with midieval times. For a book set in a modern era, it is quite frankly, sexist.

The positives: Tbe narration, on the other hand, was excellent and kept me listening through the very slow first half. The story line itself was strong and relevant to current events.

Whiteout

Not a great book but it s a good book. I have enjoyed many of the Follett books and really liked the Pillers of the Earth series