Phantom Virus: A Bomber Hanson Mystery [Hardcover]

David Champion (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1999

The tragic death of young Merilee Scioria leads her fiery father to Bomber Hanson, the world-renowned trial attorney.

Was Merilee an angel or a hellion? Bomber's son and investigator Tod explores her background and uncovers surprise after surprise from a maverick scientist, dubious doctor, drug-dealing menace, bereaved bartender and a coroner's lonely secretary.

Was Merilee killed by her prescribed cure? Was it innocent or intentional? Was her diagnosed virus a Phantom Virus?

In this fourth Bomber Hanson case, Merilee's family sues her doctor for malpractice. Bomber argues murder is malpractice. Phantom Virus brings all the courtroom complexities, theatrics and surprises Bomber Hanson fans have come to love.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

YA-Bomber Hanson, renowned attorney, has a lucrative practice in California, employing his son, Tod, as an investigator. The relationship between the bombastic Bomber and his overwhelmed but sardonic son is demonstrated by the fact that Tod only stutters when speaking to his dad. This story involves an overwrought immigrant couple who want to sue the doctor who "killed" their daughter, 22-year-old Merilee Scioria, and repair her reputation. Told she was infected with the "R4" virus, Merilee agreed to take the controversial JCD medication to prevent the symptoms of "Wann," a deadly immune disease commonly implicated in the death of IV drug abusers and gay men. A group of scientists insist that those who are infected with R4 and take JCD for a long period of time will actually develop and die from Wann's. Tod brings the pieces together and then Bomber entertains readers with his courtroom antics. An interesting, somewhat humorous mystery.
Carol DeAngelo, Kings Park Library, Burke, VA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Famed trial attorney Bomber Hanson (Celebrity Trouble, LJ 10/15/97) sends his son Tod, as usual, to investigate another case. This time, he must determine whether a young woman's death had anything to do with the supposed "cure" for her disease. A solid, absorbing mystery.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 273 pages
• Publisher: Allen a Knoll Pubs; 1st edition (January 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1888310936
• ISBN-13: 978-1888310931
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,320,411 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars ONE HECK OF A READ, November 5, 2000

By 

Pamela Stone - See all my reviews

This review is from: Phantom Virus: A Bomber Hanson Mystery (Hardcover)

PHANTOM VIRUS is the fourth installment of David Champion's series of legal mysteries. The first is "Mountain Massacres," the second "Nobody Roots For Goliath," and "Celebrity Trouble" is the third.

Angelo Scioria has lost his daughter, Merilee, to a virus called "Wanns" (an aids like virus) that was supposedly passed to her by her dentist. He has already been sued, and the Sciorias won a 2-million dollar lawsuit from the estate of the dentist. Now Angelo and his wife, Regina, have heard from a Dr. Walter Daimler, from Berkley College, that the drug JCD that was used for Wann's patients is toxic and killing patients rather than helping them. Angelo and Regina go to ostentatious lawyer Bomber Hanson to see if he will take the case to sue Dr. Carl Valentine, the maker of the JCD drug. At first, Bomber does not want to help them, but soon changes his mind. Bomber sends in his son Todd as he always does to investigate. Todd, with his very engaging personality, gets the witnesses to open up and testify in court; that's where Bomber comes in with his flashy courtroom style. But is that enough to win this case?

PHANTOM VIRUS is a free-flowing story line with lots of surprises mixed in. Bomber Hanson woos the courtroom with the flamboyant theatrics he is known for. It's a book that you will not be able to put down until you have finished; it really grabs you right from the very beginning.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This is a good read, interesting and entertaining, April 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Phantom Virus: A Bomber Hanson Mystery (Hardcover)

On par with his previous big case (which was called NOBODY ROOTS FOR GOLIATH) The Bomber Hansen character is entertaining and keeps things moving. His son as always, is the pavement pounder. The Wanns disease is a allusion to aids with a different twist. I read it in a few nights and enjoyed it.

5.0 out of 5 stars If You Question the Norm, Read this Book!, September 16, 2008

By 

Athalia Stoneback (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Phantom Virus: A Bomber Hanson Mystery (Hardcover)

David Champion's Phantom Virus is a compelling story, especially if you are someone who tends to question the norm. In this case, the norm is the belief that "medicine is the best cure", when sometimes it can make the problem worse, or cause the problem in the first place. The main character is tenacious in his quest to find out what killed Merilee Scioria, and the readers' hearts will go out to her parents, even if her father does seem a bit overbearing at first. As I've said in other reviews, Bomber Hanson's direct and blunt approach to his questioning in the courtroom might turn off some readers, but to me it makes him all the more entertaining. I'd recommend this book for students college-aged and older, and anyone who likes courtroom dramas.