- Shopping Bag ( 0 items )
Want a NOOK? Explore Now
Anonymous
Posted May 10, 2012
"Quarantined" was a very good scientific and political thriller book. It starts with a murder mystery which serves as the backbone for this novella. It was only 162 Nook Tablet pages, but moved at the right pace for me. The science discussed in the book is plausible and possible, and that is what makes it a really scary scenario. However, a quarantine, as described in the book, would not work. And, that is the reason for 4 out of 5 stars rating.
A city-wide quarantine of this variety (the walled-in kind) has not been used since the Black Death ravaged Europe. Even then, it was a voluntary form of seclusion for one city/town/village, to my knowledge. Outsiders left food and water for the townsfolk in exchange for coins soaked in vinegar.
It would not be a practical containment solution here and now. First, no American would agree to live in seclusion and squallor (including poverty and near starvation) for an indeterminate period of time, while dependent on others for food, water, and other basic needs. Meanwhile, an involuntary quarantine would breed discontentment, anger, fear, and riots just like the author described in the story.
I really enjoyed this book. My favorite parts were the murder mystery and the scientific explanations regarding the disease, possible vectors/carriers, and clear symptomology. How do you deal with an enemy that you cannot see? What would I do in a situation like the one that Lily and her family faced? This book caused me to think deeply about these questions and more.
Character development was mostly adequate, except for Lily and Chunk. The story is told from the point of view of the female cop/mother/wife, Detective Lily Harris. She really got under my skin, in a good way. Her cop partner and good friend, Chunk, was a really cool character. The interactions between these two, and the relationship that they was very detailed and interesting. However, the descriptions of Lily's husband and child, the W.H.O. scientists, and Lt. Treager were sketchy, at best.
The writing was good. The plot was interesting. And, the characters were mostly likeable. But, the ending seemed rushed and a little weak. The epilogue was a nice touch, though.
What I learned: 1. Do not trust the government to save you when a major epidemic happens in your town. 2. You and your family can only depend on each other when bad "stuff" happens. 3. Count on a cover up by the government when the problem is really bad. And, expect one, especially, when they decide "that we are all goners".
I highly recommend this book to older readers, because there is one graphic sex scene, a lot of death, and bad language is used throughout.
-AvidReader
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.zombiebiter
Posted March 22, 2012
Love Joe Mckinney, great storyteller good to see him with permuted press, Check out his other titles, good zombie reads
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.kmeghan
Posted October 16, 2010
Okay, I totally got this at first because the authors last name is the same as mine, and the story takes place in San Antonio, Texas, where I used to live. It's a quick murder mystery set during a horrible flu epidemic that has the entire city in quarantine. Interesting story, characters were a little flat, but it was worth the money for a quick read while waiting at the dentist or downtime at work or something.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 5, 2012
Excellent, fast-paced novel. I cannot imagine having to go through what Lily and the people of San Antonio had to. A++, McKinney delivers yet again!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.DavidGrieve
Posted June 30, 2011
Joe never fails to deliver the goods. You can certainly see by his masterful language why he got nominated for a Stoker.
Any long-time fan of the horror genre should take a peek - just don't think you'll emerge the same on the other side!
Great job, Mr. McKinney!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted March 20, 2013
This book really left me wanting something. It just seemed that there should have been more.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 23, 2013
I read four chapters before unable to continue. I was very put off by Lily immediately when she was talking with the English man about Emma. I thought the writing was very immature.
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 22, 2013
Good read with lots of twists.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Ristalin
Posted January 6, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story was very well written and many times had me wondering what I would do in a situation like this. Joe McKinney is one of favorite authors. I purchase everything he writes and this story does not disappoint. There is humor, fear, action, and mystery all rolled into one. For his zombie fans (I am definately one), this is not a novel about zombies. Although there is a virus, the story is about trying to solve a murder and live a "normal" life in the midst of fear and uncertainty. Check it out I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted October 12, 2011
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted August 22, 2012
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted May 3, 2013
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted November 20, 2012
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted July 17, 2011
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted September 17, 2011
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted July 21, 2010
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted October 25, 2011
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted November 12, 2010
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted February 17, 2013
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted March 2, 2011
No text was provided for this review.
Overview
The citizens of San Antonio, Texas are threatened with extermination by a terrifying outbreak of the flu. Quarantined by the military to contain the virus, the city is in a desperate struggle to survive. Inside the quarantine walls, Detective Lily Harris is working burial statistics duty at the Scar, San Antonio's mass graveyard, when she finds a murder victim hidden amongst the plague dead. But Lily's investigation into the young woman's death soon takes a frightening turn as yet ...