I love finding new mysteries and thrillers to share. Today I have a thriller from author Hank Scheer in our book review spotlight. Check out Fade to Blue, read my thoughts, learn about the author and enter the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.
Category: Adult Fiction (18+), 288 pages
Genre: Thriller
Publisher: Top Reads Publishing
Release date: Mar 2023
Formats Available for Review: print-softback (USA), and ebook (MOBI FILE (FOR KINDLE), EPUB, PDF).
Tour dates: Mar 14 to Apr 3, 2023
Content Rating: PG-13 for some bad language
"Hank Scheer’s debut novel offers readers an engaging medical mystery, after which the plot becomes a swiftly paced thriller. Sarah is a capable and appealing protagonist, and a canny plot twist gives the narrative geopolitical heft and spurs interest in what might happen next." - Kirkus Reviews
"The secondary cast is vibrant and varied; their personalities are distinctive, and their conversations have a charming effect. Sarah’s combative exchanges with René, a French inspector whose penchant for sarcasm matches hers, add particular color. And the well-described settings further flesh out and ground the otherwise dizzying, swift-moving story. Working toward an open-ended but triumphant conclusion, Fade to Blue is an exciting thriller in which a scientist tries to stay alive after creating a brain-destroying drug that others want." - Foreword Clarion Reviews
"The strong characters, fast-paced action, and ethical dilemmas create thought-provoking reading suitable for book club discussion, contrasting nicely with other standout medical thriller genre reads." - Midwest Book Review
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Will Dr. Brenalen's unauthorized experiment lead to a cure for Alzheimer's, or will it be used for bioterrorism?
Biotech researcher Sarah Brenalen is frustrated by her boss’s dismissal of her controversial theory, so she secretly injects lab mice with experimental Alzheimer’s drugs of her own design. Sarah is stunned when one of her experiments goes horribly wrong. But Marcel and his international cabal are intrigued. Sarah's brain-destroying T-3 formulation could be just what they need.
Fade to Blue is a high-tech, fast-paced, cat-and-mouse game played for keeps. What Marcel didn't count on is that two can play this game.
Fade to Blue is a Fast Paced Thriller From Start to Finish. The author begins the book with an action-packed chapter--then backs readers up to fill in the story behind Sarah's drug formulation and the ethical dilemmas at hand. The novel's pace is well paced with plenty of twists and turns and moral considerations to keep readers interested and invested in Sarah's story.
Easy to Read, Easy to Follow Scenes Create a Well Done Story. The author doesn't overwhelm readers with science in what could be a much heavier biomedical thriller. Instead, the dialogue and action-packed flow of the scenes tell the story in an easy-to-read and easy-to-follow style. Early on, I didn't find Sarah's character very believable, and many of her actions and decisions were a little puzzling--but once I settled into Sarah's story, I was able to root for her character more as she tried to do the right things to fix the issues she had created.
Would I Recommend Fade to Blue by Hank Scheer? I can certainly see this book as an option for a book club read, as it does give a lot for readers to think about as they follow Sarah's journey--even in the early pages as she creates her unauthorized drug trial. If you enjoy thrillers with good vs. evil challenges and moral/ethical dilemmas--this novel is an engaging, fast-paced story for your reading list. While the book gives readers a satisfactory ending--it keeps some mystery and possibilities lingering in the mind beyond the last pages.
Hank Scheer's writing journey began during a work break when a coworker said, "Hey, let's write a short story." They were working for a steel mill in Pittsburg, California, so brainstorming ideas became a fun way to pass the time.
At one point the following week, after the manufacturing process caused a computer to crash, Hank had his idea: an evil scientist creates a drug that destroys a person's brain.
Now it was a simple matter of plotting the story and writing it. Fade to Blue is the result of three trips to Paris, France, and long weekends spent driving around the San Francisco Bay area.
It doesn't involve steelmaking, but the science is just as real and the potential for trouble exponentially more terrifying.
Hank is now retired and lives in Martinez, California. He enjoys writing and recording music, world travel, biking, downhill skiing, and supporting other working people fighting for a better world.
connect with the author: website ~ goodreads
Thank you for such a thoughtful and positive review. I wasn't sure what to expect from someone as well-read as you. Much appreciated!
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