White Plague

By: James Abel

Narrated by: Ray Porter

Length: 11 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

In the frozen waters of the Arctic, Marine bioterror expert Joe Rush races to save a submarine crew from a lethal threat.

"The pleas for help stopped coming just after five in the morning, Washington time. The Pentagon staffers cleared for handling sensitive messages sat in horror for a moment and then tried other ways to reach the victims. Nothing worked so they called the Director, who phoned me."

In the remote, frozen waters of the Arctic Ocean, the high-powered and technically advanced submarine U.S.S. Montana is in peril. Adrift and in flames, the boat - and the entire crew - could be lost. The only team close enough to get to them in time is led by Marine doctor and bio-terror expert Joe Rush.

With only 36 hours before the surviving crew perish, Joe and his team must race to rescue the Montana and ensure that the boat doesn't fall into enemy hands. Because a fast-approaching foreign submarine is already en route, and tensions may explode.

But that’s the least of their troubles. For the surviving sailors are not alone on the sub. Something is trapped with them. Something deadly lethal. Something that plagued mankind long ago, when it devastated the entire world. And the crew of the Montana has unknowingly set it free. Now, Joe and his team must not only find a way to save the Montana and her crew, but stop a lethal horror of apocalyptic consequence from being unleashed on all humanity.

©2014 James Abel (P)2014 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“In White Plague, James Abel reworks one of the great tragedies of the early 20th Century into the material of a believable, hard-driving thriller of the modern arctic. Fast, well-written entertainment wrapped around something to think about.” (John Sandford, number-one New York Times best-selling author of Field of Prey)

“[Abel] is a solid, cleanly efficient writer who knows how to stage an action scene and, just as important, is a master of this chilled universe...Effective flashbacks and unfolding events keep the pages turning. Joe Rush makes a strong debut against dangerous odds in the Arctic, and so does Abel.” (Kirkus Reviews)

“Well-written...Abel piles plenty of trouble on Joe and his gang.... The unusual Arctic location is a plus.” (Publishers Weekly)

I don't like stupid for the sake of the story

Great storyline, great plot and I was certainly riveted. What I don't like is making the "brilliant" main character suddenly stupid and unable to understand/figure it out in parts of this story just so the plot can be extended. This was a great storyline and those moments weren't necessary.

Some plot holes a mile wide

What did you like best about White Plague? What did you like least?

I love medical thrillers, so that was the part that got me interested in this book. However, it didn't really read like much a medical thriller, as it felt like it was more about the action.

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

I was disappointed in this book in that there were a lot of "coincidences" and at the end the book there were conveniently open questions remaining that really just communicated plot holes. There was interesting stuff going on in the book and you are wondering "why are they doing this" "how did they do this" "where did they get this information"... and those questions are never answered. This book is a lazy weekend-on-the-beach read, so don't expect much.

Was White Plague worth the listening time?

Yeah, it was short and distracting and entertaining enough for what it was. Personally though, I wouldn't spend more than $5 on this book though.

Great narration od so, so novel

This novel would have had more suspense if the plot had been more realistic especially related to the "moral dilemma" of whether to kill actual and potential suffers of a contagious with no known cure . The most interesting aspect is the degree to which government and big businesses practice crony capitalism.

Fine Entertainment

Great details, gripping excitement, sabotage and a slippery virus = awesome arctic thrills! Two enthusiastic thumbs up.

Science and Realism

Great story line awesome narrator!! I’m ready for another suspenseful “Good Book” by James Abel

Outstanding Action Adventure

White Plague was one of the very best action audiotapes. The vivid description of arctic weather, the accurate medical details, the fast moving pace and unpredictable twists and turns of the plot, the character development, and portrayal of military combat and strategy all contributed. I was reminded of novels by Michael Cricton and Tom Clancy. Ray Porter gave an excellent performance. This audiotape seemed particularly authentic to me since I am a physician/clinical researcher, have experienced blizzards and fridgid weather, and have a family member who is a high-ranking military physician.

on the fence about getting really happy I did.

great fast moving story, well written and Ray Porter can make a tax law book sound exciting.

I love Joe Rush !

I really enjoyed all three of these books by James Abel. I had never read a book by him before, but the narrator Ray Porter is probably my favorite. I listened to the first then immediately bought the other two. Lots of fun for suspense and action lovers. Interesting stories and narrator was a great choice.

Interesting

Good story. Good start for a series. FANTASTIC narration by Ray Porter, but really what else can you expect from him. Story is reminiscent of Ledger series without all the shoot 'em, bang, & explosions....more chess like.

Entertaining on multiple levels

This had action, suspense, and some history. It was a great find and as always Ray Porter is a joy to listen to. Definitely planning on listening to the rest of the series.