Customer Reviews

The Mosquito War

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Mosquito War is a remarkable book, with beautifully drawn characters who are far more real than many who show up in today's thrillers. It's also a gripping tale that zips along, becoming more compelling with each chapter. Of course it's loaded with the kind of technical details that make its premise completely plausible -- but they're folded in so well that instead of slowing down the action they merely add another layer. It may have been meant to be escapist fiction, but the depth and timeliness leave a lasting impression. And while it's impossible to read this and not be troubled by the danger of biological attacks, most readers will still enjoy the story for its adventurous suspense, colorful writing and heartfelt terror that pushes its characters toward a stunning, unforgettable conclusion!

V.A. MacAlister not only created characters with depth and emotions, what was once irritating nusances are now very frightening villians. The Mosquito War is a story that is right now or could be next week. The references to landmarks and areas around Washington, D.C. took me "home", the West Nile Virus is just arriving in Texas what more can I expect Connor Gale or Zee Aspen at my front door? As a United States citizen, I often take for granted the advantages and comforts we have available such as excellent medical care. Read this book, I couldn't put it down. Fast paced, well thought out and thought provoking... where did I put that can of OFF?

Having read only semi-interesting research papers and textbooks for the past 6 years, it was quite a relief to stumble onto this book. The complicated process of reproduction and growth of the Plasmodium genus is expertly explained to not only help the science uninformed understand what was going on, but added a good deal of suspense and imagery for those who do understand it. The other comments will give you a good synopsis of the book; the storyline gripped me at 10pm when I started reading until 5am when I closed the book. Definitely recommend.

This book is well written, well researched, has plenty of twists and turns, is fast moving, and an excellent mystery novel. It is obvious that the author has first hand experience with Marine life, research work, and with infectious diseases. It is definitely a great summer reading book.

In the wake of the terrorist attacks of 9-11, comes a timely thriller that examines biological warfare. Malaria is a disease that has been almost entirely eradicated from the United States. A pharmaceutical company is on the verge of testing and producing a drug that might virtually wipe it out. The problem, however, is that there is little profit for the company in the product in that the potential users are the destitute of Southeast Asia. Therefore, the project is scrapped. Su Thon, an Asian scientist and employee of the company is incensed over the decision as he has witnessed his loved ones succumbing to the disease. He correctly observes that Americans don't care about Malaria and won't do so until they suffer the ravages of the disease themselves. He therefore plans to release an especially deadly strain of the disease through hundreds of mosquitoes in the nation's capital which could cause thousands to die. It is up to Conor Gale, a private investgator and Zee Aspen, a scientist working on developing the drug in the Carribbean to stop Su Thon.
V. A. MacAlister has written a clever novel filled with social agendas. She attacks the greed of pharmacological companies, examines the ravages of Malaria and the potential benefits of marine pharmacology. Ms. MacAlister is a diver and her enthusiam is quite evident through the many passages that her characters spend under the ocean. The immediacy of the inherent dangers of biological warfare adds to the tension of this fast paced thriller. THE MOSQUITO WAR is not only solid entertainment but a solid debut, as well.

Call this book a thriller if you want to, but it's actually much more than the usual fare. The Mosquito War moves faster than a greased pig with its tail on fire, but it's also a fine character study of decent people grappling with the many shades of right and wrong. I read it in galleys (I'm a professional book reviewer), and although I won't be able to review it for my paper, I wanted to give it a plug -- it's smart, witty, and actually frightening. In contrast to the PW review above, I think MacCalister's technique of tracking the spread of the diesase through an array of ordinary people marks her as an innovative writer able to inhabit a wide range of characters. I took off one star only out of respect for the writer -- as good as this book is, I expect she'll write even better ones, so I have to save one star for later.

An enticing amalgam of political elements, coupled with stylish dialog results in a novel brimming with provocative suspense. The ethical questions triggered by the burgeoning brave new world of biotechnology are thoroughly elucidated in a manner suitable for either a consuming beach read or sleepy autumn weekend. Who is this V.A. MacAlister?

See storyline above.

A fairly solid medical thriller from first time novelist V.A. MacAlister.
A virulent strain of malaria, a secret serum, and high level coverups, all move this biological thriller at a steady pace. A well researched and timely novel. The characters didn't strike me as likeable. Maybe because, as the reader, I couldn't relate to them. Dry?

Inside the covers:

Anopheles...She bears no particular malice toward humankind, does not in fact really seek him out. To the Anopheles, a man is as good as a mouse. She is only seeking a blood meal, and that only for the urgency of motherhood. What could be more simple, more pure?

Recommended

In Gaithersburg, Maryland, lab technician Su Thom knows his company, SeaGenesis Pharmaceutical is nearing a cure for malaria. Though rarely seen in the United States, this deadly disease haunts the third world so that more people die from it than AIDS and that includes members of Su Thom's family. The firm abruptly halts the tests on the potential cure, dubbed "Popeye" because it looks like spinach though extracted from sea sponges. Angered and very frustrated Su Thom decides to bring home the nightmare of malaria by cultivating the disease and releasing it in Washington DC.

SeaGenesis scientist Zee Aspen and security expert Connor Gale wonder why so many accidents are associated with the "Popeye" project. They join forces and quickly realize the CIA is involved with the pharmaceutical company, but do not know why. As this duo steps closer to the truth, Su Thom proceeds towards unleashing a pandemic horror on America unless the two intrepid "investigators" learn enough about his plot to stop him.

With the West Nile Virus making headlines and though preferring to ignore the terrorizing theme, readers will accept as authentic the basic premise of THE MOSQUITO WAR. The realistic story line is fast-paced and enticing in a voyeuristic manner as the audience will enjoy accompanying Zee under the sea, but preferring to keep a malaria epidemic at a distance. The look at the impact of the disease on innocent victims actually slows down the tale even as it adds depth to the horror that V.A. MacAlister describes. This is a strong biological thriller that will open many eyes that would prefer to remain shut.

Harriet Klausner