Immunity

Dr. Alex Blake traces the rise of a deadly new pandemic in a thriller as timely as todays headlines from the author of The Silent Assassin (SeattlePI.com). While working on the gene sequence of a tropical disease at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Dr. Alexandra Blake gets drawn into a medical mystery. The sudden death of an undercover DEA agent during a stakeout in New Mexico is seemingly the result of a cocaine overdose. But to Alex the agents horrific symptoms look more like an allergic reaction. Within hours, Alex discovers similar cases and begins to fear the worse: a new epidemic is spreading across the southwestern United States. As Alex fights to have her suspicions taken seriously, the body count rises and fear and panic take hold. While the virus turns a persons own immune system against itself, a turbulent political landscape has Americans turning against one another. With the help of a reckless DEA agent and a cutting-edge supercomputer, Alex must discover the origin of the outbreakbe it in nature or the mind of a madman . . . This edition features a Reading Group Guide. Andrewss exciting third helix-twister to feature Dr. Alex Blake . . . spikes the chills with a talking DNA computer named Sam and insights into hot-button Native American issues. Publishers Weekly The scenario is chilling and the expertise is undeniable. Booklist Strong characters and fascinating scientific details. Kirkus Reviews