Pandemic (Jack Stapleton & Laurie Montgomery #11) by Robin Cook

From Goodreads

Pandemic is an explosive medical thriller from New York Times-bestselling author Robin Cook.

In New York City, an unidentified, healthy, well-dressed woman is struck down by a sudden respiratory illness on the subway as opportunist thieves snatch her phone and backpack. By the time she’s rushed to hospital, she’s dead. Ending up on forensic pathologist Dr. Jack Stapleton’s autopsy table as the potential victim of a contagion, reveals surprising findings.

Fearing what could be the first in a severe outbreak of a deadly virus similar to the 1918 influenza pandemic, Jack works in overdrive for a diagnosis and to identify the woman. As the inconclusive tests come back, Jack urges his wife, and chief medical examiner, Dr. Laurie Montgomery to sound the alarm at the mayor’s office, concerned that more cases may follow. Lacking conclusive proof, Laurie refuses, fearing it would trigger widespread panic.

When further cases do occur around the city, and then further afield in Los Angeles, London and Rome, Jack finds his own life in jeopardy as he enters a race against time to discover the link that connects all the victims before it’s too late . . .

My thoughts

I gave this a 3.5 stars or 7/10. I borrowed this in e-book form via Borrow Box, from Lancashire Libraries.

It is many years ago since I read a book by Robin Cook. I read and enjoyed his earlier stories when I was younger and found them engaging and interesting reads with great plots.

This is the 11th book in the Jack Stapleton and Laurie Montgomery series. Whilst I have no backstory to the characters it didn't detract away from the story at all. I feel that this read quite well as a standalone in the series. Would I read another? Now there's a question indeed.

I enjoyed the premise of the story once we found out what was happening. The theory behind what was happening was quite interesting and it might be an answer to certain medical problems in the future. Is what they were doing ethical? Maybe not and not everyone might be willing to be a recipient. For those of you who have yet to read the book, if you do read it then you will know what I am talking about. I do not want to say too much as it will spoil some of the story for you. 

On the whole I enjoyed the story and the interaction between the two main characters.