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Plaguemaker Hardcover – January 1, 2006

by Tim Downs (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 160 ratings
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July Fourth: New York City...Hundreds of thousands line the banks of the East and Hudson Rivers awaiting the nation's largest fireworks display. Soon the sky will explode in cascading showers of silver and gold. Everywhere, faces will turn skyward in wide-eyed wonder.Then the sky will grow dark again--but it will not be empty. The air will be filled with clouds of smoke and specks of debris will rain down everywhere. Some will pick bits of paper from their children's hair. Some will brush away still-burning sparks or embers. And some will absentmindedly scratch at the tiny, biting specks that dot their necks and arms.Will the beginning of the show mark the beginning of the end?That's what FBI agent Nathan Donovan must decide. When he is forced to enlist the help of ex-wife Macy Monroe, an expert in the psychology of terrorism, the fireworks really begin--but she may be the only one who can help him stop the Plague Maker in time.

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  1. Print length
    391 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Westbow Pr
  4. Publication date
    January 1, 2006
  5. Dimensions
    6.5 x 1.5 x 9.5 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1595540229
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1595540225
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

After strong debut and sophomore novels (Shoofly Pie; Chop Shop), Downs hits his stride in this delightful faith-based thriller. FBI Special Agent Nathan Donovan acts fearlessly, but he's haunted by an event in his past that drives his reckless behavior. A puzzling murder case in which thousands of fleas are released in a room leads to a cameo appearance by forensic entomologist Dr. Nick Polchak, the Bug Man from Downs's earlier novels. The fleas are the ideal vehicle for bubonic plague, and New York is the perfect target. Things get dicey when a Chinese octogenarian known as Li has information that could lead to solving the case—if Li doesn't seek his own revenge first. More complications arise when Donovan's ex-wife gets involved, and we discover the roots of Donovan's anger and fear. As the story unfolds, Downs evenhandedly dispenses humor, interesting technical details and the trademark "ick" factor that characterizes his previous books. He throws in enough surprises and unusual events to keep the story fresh, and he's learned how to hold a novel together through the closing pages. The real plagues, Downs suggests, are fear, hatred and a thirst for revenge, and he manages to convey the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation without too much sermonizing. This is Downs's best book to date. (Jan. 10)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Terrorists hatch a plot to introduce quantities of Asian fleas into New York City. The fleas infect rats with bubonic plague. The requisite FBI agent, a tough-talking loner named Nathan Baldwin, gets wind of the plot, then finds an ally in a Christian Chinese named Li Ming, who leads Nathan toward Syrian culprits and a Japanese mastermind not unlike Dr. No. And, in fact, Downs brings to mind Ian Fleming's humor, if not also his sadism, resulting in a familiar but competent thriller. John Mort
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Westbow Pr; 0 edition (January 1, 2006)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 391 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1595540229
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1595540225
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.4 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.5 x 1.5 x 9.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 160 ratings

About the author

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Tim Downs

Tim Downs

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Tim Downs is an author, speaker, and communication consultant who co-hosts the popular weekly podcast, The Communication Guys. After graduating from college in 1976 he created a daily comic strip, Downstown, which was syndicated by Universal Press Syndicate (Doonesbury, Calvin & Hobbes, The Far Side) from 1980 to 1986. His cartooning has appeared in newspapers and magazines worldwide. Tim has written nine novels in the mystery/suspense genre, beginning with Shoofly Pie (2003), followed by Chop Shop (2004), PlagueMaker (2006), Head Game (2007), First the Dead (2008), Less than Dead (2008), Ends of the Earth (2009), Wonders Never Cease (2010), and Nick of Time (2011). His most recent work is a memoir, Where the Wind Leads (April 2014). Tim lives in Cary, North Carolina, with his wife Joy.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
160 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the story quality great, well-crafted, and excellent. They describe the book as an excellent read for enjoyment and edification. Readers praise the characters as wonderful and humorous. They mention the book has lots of suspense and is fast-paced.

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Story qualityEnjoymentCharacter developmentSuspense level
14 customers mention "Story quality"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the story quality of the book exciting, well-crafted, and great. They also say it's a real page-turner with all sorts of twists.

"...I just want to add that this is a real page turner with all sorts of twists and turns and emotional entanglements...." Read more

"...If you love high action, edge of your seat suspense, cerebral yet reconcillatory books - you musn't pass on this one...." Read more

"...The novel itself it an excellently written thriller with wonderful characters...." Read more

"A great story teller, I was looking for a book that held my interest with a quality to the writing style...." Read more

12 customers mention "Enjoyment"12 positive0 negative

Customers find the book entertaining, exciting, and thought-provoking. They say it's an excellent read for both enjoyment and edification. Readers also mention the dialogue is good and has places that make them laugh.

"...I did find it a fun read, although I enjoy Nick better, but perhaps it's because I'm more familiar with him and he's so quirky." Read more

"...The dialogue in it is good & has places that will make you laugh - yes even in suspense situations." Read more

"...Nick or not this is a fascinating book. As long as Tim Downs keeps writing, I'm pretty sure I'll keep buying them." Read more

"...Characters are human, flawed and real - enjoyed the ride !" Read more

8 customers mention "Character development"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the characters wonderful and humorous.

"...No? Well, there's a lot of humorous dialogue between the characters. I highly recommend PLAGUE MAKER. 4 and 1/2 stars" Read more

"...amazed to see the difference in the writing quality and character development improvements that Tim Downs has achieved through his experience as a..." Read more

"...The novel itself it an excellently written thriller with wonderful characters...." Read more

"...Li was an intriguing character ad masterfully developed. I like the back and forth in time to keep me interested in all characters" Read more

5 customers mention "Suspense level"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book suspenseful, with a scary premise. They also describe it as a fast-paced adventure novel.

"...If you love high action, edge of your seat suspense, cerebral yet reconcillatory books - you musn't pass on this one...." Read more

"Well plotted, fast-paced spies/adventure novel with a number of well drawn fascinating characters. Downs gets better and better with each novel...." Read more

"Great story, lots of suspense...." Read more

"I loved this book! Suspense, human emotion and science all mixed together. My kind of book! Enjoyed getting the back story on Donovan and Macy!" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

Eric J. Reinhold
5.0 out of 5 stars And now for something totally different...
Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2011
Verified Purchase
I started working my way through "The Bug Man" series this summer and have enjoyed each one. As I began "Plague Maker" I was a little hesitant, since Nick is a very minor character in one scene and the book focuses on a close friend of his, Donovan, who plays a minor role in the rest of The Bug Man series. It did give me insight into this character and was probably fun for author, Tim Downs, to write from another perspective for a change.

I did find it a fun read, although I enjoy Nick better, but perhaps it's because I'm more familiar with him and he's so quirky.
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H. S. Wedekind
4.0 out of 5 stars I'll forgive you, if you forgive me first. If you don't, you'll suffer the consequences.
Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2011
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"Do you prefer the Jets or the Giants, Mr. Donovan?"

"I'll take the Jets."

"I figured. Do you know what I think whenever I watch the Jets play? I think, 'Thank God for the NFL! There go a dozen men who might otherwise be in prison.' That's you, Mr. Donovan. You're a very dangerous man-but I suppose you're less dangerous on the job than off."

The psychiatrist extended his hand and Donovan shook it quickly, then headed for the door.

"You said something," the psychiatrist called after him. "You said, 'Nobody walks around with a bomb just in case they need one.' Funny thing."

"What's so funny?"

"You do."
- The conclusion of a psychiatric exam ordered by FBI Special Agent Nathan Donovan's immediate supervisor after Donovan blew away a guy holding a woman hostage. He intentionally exposed himself to gunfire, to get the bad guy to release the woman from his grip in order to shoot at Donovan first. His superior thought that was just a little too reckless on Donovan's part, hence the visit to the shrink.

Nathan Donovan has issues. He is angry and he is afraid. He also is very deadly and fearless when an innocent is in danger of being harmed. So how, if he's so fearless, can he also be afraid? The one thing that strikes fear into the heart of this tough FBI Agent is an event from the past that effected him deeply and how he can never get away from it. Nathan is haunted by it and suffers terribly because of it. He has trouble sleeping and is often awakened in the middle of night by horrible nightmares.

After discovering a dead body in an artsy New York apartment loft, the NYPD call in the FBI and other resources to find out what actually happened. (Including an itchy, scene stealing cameo appearance by Dr. Nick "The Bug Man" Polchak.) They suspect the murder has a connection to a terrorist plot. Enter the attractive Dr. Macy Monroe, professor of political science and international relations at Columbia University, who
is also an expert in terrorist psychology and speaks Arabic and Japanese fluently. Coincidentally, Macy is Donovan's ex-wife. Uh oh. To add to the very diverse composition of the anti-terrorist team, there is the inscrutable Mr. Li, who knows more about who could be behind the plot than he lets on.

I won't spoil the book for you by writing too much. Besides, the basic plot has already been covered here by other reviewers. I just want to add that this is a real page turner with all sorts of twists and turns and emotional entanglements. Everybody, it seems, has an anger issue that needs to be resolved...one way or another. There's a major terrorist plot by some really nasty guys that will be more devastating than the 9/11 attack that results in a knuckle biting conclusion to this terrific thriller. Did I mention that there is a lot of humor in it? No? Well, there's a lot of humorous dialogue between the characters. I highly recommend PLAGUE MAKER. 4 and 1/2 stars
2 people found this helpful
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Katie Fear
5.0 out of 5 stars Heart racing, hair raising, brain busting suspense thriller!
Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2011
Verified Purchase
First of all if you have never read anything by Tim Downs, his previous books are also very good and follow forensic entemologist Nick Polchak who makes a cameo appearance in this fast paced thriller. If you love high action, edge of your seat suspense, cerebral yet reconcillatory books - you musn't pass on this one. I was amazed to see the difference in the writing quality and character development improvements that Tim Downs has achieved through his experience as a novelist. This novel has three main story lines interweaved with each other and is a story of horror, revenge, forgiveness and ultimately sacrifice.giving too much away I will say that this book plays out like one of the best action packed movies with teh quality and suspense you would expect from a blockbuster. My heart raced, my brain hurt, I lost sleep because I couldn't put it down. You can read my reviews of other books at [...]
3 people found this helpful
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random person
5.0 out of 5 stars Potentially life changing
Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2012
Verified Purchase
This book has already been very well reviewed, but I'll throw in my two cents.

Another reviewer (not of this book) wonderfully rated the Amazon star system, and I agree that 5 stars should be reserved for a book that is "life changing". I feel this book has that potential.
As you know it's about a terrorist plot to release the Plague upon the city of New York, and from there, perhaps, the world. There is also a plot about an elderly Chinese gentleman named Li, and his nemesis, Sato Matsushito, whom he has been seeking for 60+ years.

I read the book after reading the entire Bugman series because I wanted to know more about Nathan Donovan, FBI agent, and his wife Macy Monroe. I came to care about Donovan in the Nick Polchak books, and wanted to understand his past. But as another reviewer stated, Li is the hero of this book.
Downs uses Li to convey the broad themes of the novel: patience, wisdom and forgiveness. Although one reviewer felt these were simply Christian in worldview, I cannot imagine any religion or indeed, any society, in which those themes are not appropriate, necessary, and existent.

The novel itself it an excellently written thriller with wonderful characters. I challenge you to read to the end and not get tears in your eyes.

If you are human, these themes are for you, and if you allow it to, this book might change your life!
2 people found this helpful
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MSH
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2013
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This book will keep you riveted to your seat. It's very difficult to put down. If you like suspense, you will like this. I'm seriously thinking of reading all the author has written. The dialogue in it is good & has places that will make you laugh - yes even in suspense situations.
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Kelly Klepfer
4.0 out of 5 stars Not Much Nick, But the Story is Freaky Good...
Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2011
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I purchased this book because I love Nick Polchak and I found out he was in it. He is. But his appearance is a mere sliver. But, within a few pages, I got sucked into the story of biological warfare and psychological effects and horror of war. Nathan Donovan is the classic, tortured FBI agent who is forced to work with his ex-wife and an unusual British fellow with knowledge that turns the head of authorities, and flip-flops the heart of any who know the damage that could be done with something as small as a...well, flea.

Donovan learns more than he bargained for from his new British friend. And in the process finds the courage to do what he needs to do.

Nick or not this is a fascinating book. As long as Tim Downs keeps writing, I'm pretty sure I'll keep buying them.
One person found this helpful
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Jan Ausbrooks-Hall
5.0 out of 5 stars A good read
Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2020
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My Husband read the book and said it was as good as the bug man series but different. He did enjoy it!
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Top reviews from other countries

elizabeth roberts
1.0 out of 5 stars plaque marker
Reviewed in Canada on February 16, 2013
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It was very well written and made you turn pages , till it was finished. sat up late at nite to finish her
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the elf
5.0 out of 5 stars An entralling read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 22, 2006
Verified Purchase
This is the first book I've read by Mr Downs (I believe he's only written two previous novels) but I'll be looking out for more. If he can build on this he'll definitely be one to watch out for. He builds his story carefully and tastefully telling parts of his tale from the memories of the main characters. He gets the adrenalin flowing to the point where you've just got to read the next chapter, then he lowers your heartrate, keeping you in suspense for a couple of chapters before starting all over again. Then of course he endeared himself to me by his reference to two ships built "in the same Sunderland shipyard" (an obviously intelligent man) A damn good book!
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