Customer Reviews

Reign of the Rat

5 star:		(48)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Full disclosure: I know Gil well, having trained under him at UCSF. I like and admire him, but I must admit that I expected much less in his first novel than he delivered. He is an excellent teacher and researcher, but "who'du thunk" he could write a gripping mystery novel? This was a very fun read. The microbiology wonk stuff could easily have gotten in the way, but it didn't. He showed all the plot development ability of fellow ophthalmologist Robin Cook, but frankly, Gil has a much better command of proper English than Robin. I hope he enjoys his semi-retirement by writing more mysteries.

As a scientist, I'm quite demanding. This book fills the bill for me. Great characters, whom I would love to meet, great story, how did Smolin ever think this out, solid science, and fabulous scenery. There's not a respite in the whole book especially the last third. I could not put the book down until I reached the end. Like his daughter, I would love to see the movie.
Great job of writing.

I was pulled right into this book in the first chapter...it's a mystery, an action book, and even a romance. I found it thrilling and well-written. It's also really scary, especially because we read everyday in the newspaper about illnesses that are mutating and possibly becoming dangerous, from the bird flu to regular influenza to SARS. I have recommended this book to many friends and relatives, and everybody has loved it.

I'm an avid reader of medical thrillers - love 'em even though they keep me awake at night. I've got a couple of favorite authors I've read over and over. The problem is, when you keep reading the same authors their books all start to sound the same. I'm so glad to find a new voice in this genre. Smolin's debut novel is a winner. It's fast-paced, the characters are well developed, and the story hits so close to reality that it's just downright scary! I can't wait for his next book.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Complex characters, women and men, great backdrop, exciting action, facts galore add up to a spectacular read. I am a new fan of Gil Smolin.
I was sorry to see the book end. The villain was a total surprise to me but I should have guessed it.
When's the movie coming?

This is quite a wonderful book--a thriller rich in character, world travel, medical science, and a creative, yet plausible, plot. I admire the breadth of knowledge it would take to create such a story. I love a novel that takes me away to another reality and holds me there. This page-turner really did it. And, it's stayed with me. I learned some things from this novel. I don't remember that ever happening before.

A combination of Andromeda Strain, Coma and Jurassic Park. Add in great characters, fabulous scenery and the twisting, shrewd plot with lots of solid science and you have a heck of a book. I really loved it.

What a great surprise. My neighbor told me about the book and I just finished it. Fabulous, complex characters, intriguing plot and spectacularly described scenery. This book has everything a thriller needs. I loved it. My only regret was finishing it and trying to find something as good for my next read.
Alice, Vera. Rowan, Michael, Brother Rose...I'll miss them. A sequel?

It was fascinating reading this scientifically sound, exciting book about an epidemic in Asia. I've been to the places described and find Smolin captures the ambience very well. Fun, complicated characters in a complex and entertaining plot and this book is as good as it gets. I highly recommend it to mystery and thriller readers.

I'm totally pleased that I bought this book on the recommendation of a friend. I usually wouldn't write a review, but I was so moved by the storyline, characters and writing that I had to say how great a read it was. I would highly recommend this book to any lover of mysteries or thrillers. It doesn't get any better.
I'll wait for the next book with anticipation.