Who Would Like This Book:
If you love science-based thrillers that make you wonder "What if?" about the world of viruses and bioterrorism, this is right up your alley. The story combines a suspenseful medical investigation with gritty, real-world details straight from the files of infectious disease experts. Fans of Michael Crichton or Robin Cook will appreciate the chilling plausibility and well-researched science behind the outbreak, while anyone into forensic drama, page-turning action, or terrifyingly realistic pandemics will find a lot to savor. The creepy realism is enough to make you look twice at a sneeze on the subway!
Who May Not Like This Book:
If you prefer deep character development over technical detail, you might find this one a bit dry - most of the main cast feels underdeveloped. The novel often veers into docudrama territory, with detailed explanations of viruses and bioweapons that can slow down the story for some readers. It's also extremely graphic and doesn’t hold back on disturbing medical descriptions, so squeamish readers beware! Those looking for a twisty, complex villain or an unpredictable ending may also be disappointed by its more conventional plot structure.
About:
The Cobra Event by Richard Preston is a chilling thriller that delves into the world of bioterrorism through a genetically engineered virus being used as a weapon. The plot follows CDC scientist Alice Austen as she investigates a series of mysterious deaths in New York City, uncovering a deranged biotechnician's plan to release the deadly Cobra virus. The book intricately weaves together real facts about viruses and bioweapons, offering a gripping and realistic scenario that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Preston's writing style, akin to nonfiction, provides detailed descriptions of autopsies and symptoms, creating a sense of tension and fear that resonates with readers.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include graphic descriptions of death, self-cannibalism, and disturbing medical details, making it a potentially distressing read.
From The Publisher:
"One of those books you literally can't put down . . . makes The Hot Zone virus-far away in a rainforest-look like no big deal."-Detroit Free Press
Five days ago, a homeless man on a subway platform died in agony as startled commuters looked on. Yesterday, a teenager started having violent, uncontrollable spasms in art class. Within minutes, she too was dead.
Dr. Alice Austen is a medical pathologist at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta. What she knows is that the two deaths are connected. What she fears is that they are only the beginning. . . .
"Manages to grab you with the authenticity of its scientific detective work and haunt you with its sheer plausibility."-Entertainment Weekly
Ratings (8)
Incredible (2) | |
Loved It (4) | |
Liked It (2) |
Reader Stats (18):
Read It (8) | |
Want To Read (8) | |
Not Interested (2) |
1 comment(s)
Good plot. Interesting science. Horrible writing. It was interesting, as the writing was bad in a different way than I'm used to. This man could just not put together a complex sentence. Also, he over-explained in a very stilted way. Plus, he tended to brain dump at you. It had the feeling that he had written a story with all kinds of notes to himself in it, and then had forgotten to take the notes out. Perhaps an editor should have had a crack at this book.
What can you read after
The Cobra Event?
About the Author:
Richard Preston is the bestselling author of The Hot Zone, The Demon in the Freezer, The Wild Trees, and the novel The Cobra Event. A writer for The New Yorker since 1985, Preston is the only nondoctor to have received the Centers for Disease Control…
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