I liked the fast pace of this book. The characters were great and there was danger in it that built the suspense. I am not a fan of medical-virus issues in books except end times ones, but this will keep your interest.

Book Review The Odessa Virion by William Bramwell
4.5

I love spy novels, CIA, MI6 but this novel is a whole new genre! Dr. John Mason is a reluctant CIA analyst forced into the job until he can resurrect his infectious disease and cancer research career. A Russian scientist approaches the CIA reporting that 50 years ago the Russian’s developed a virus that they released in the water supply resulting in the current chronic fatigue syndrome. The science doesn’t back up these claims, but how do you prove something didn’t happen? “The absence of proof that it doesn’t exist is all they need to insist that it does.”

I loved this premise! Biological warfare is about killing people right? Instead this premise is about creating a chronic illness that debilitates people to disrupt the economy. Choosing chronic fatigue syndrome which is a diagnosis of exclusion is brilliant as it would be undetected. The moments describing our e belief that if our country couldn’t do it then it can’t be done gave me pause and made me consider the myriad ways we devalue other countries and cultures.

This is a fascinating work about what people are willing to believe despite evidence to the contrary. Our current obsession with health and finding explanations for our maladies whether factual or not. Our willingness to jump on bandwagons, and ignore science. “When politics is involved, following the science means following the science you want to believe in.” I loved that truth is irrelevant and it only matters what the public is convinced is the truth. It is very reminiscent of current politics and “fake news” doctrines.

Usually spy novels are all about the field, and action. Although there is action, and a brilliant escape from Russia; this book is more about the motivations and machinations behind the scenes. I felt that this book gave us a critical inside look at the bureaucracy of the CIA, congress, and politics and the importance of managing the message. Dr. Mason’s fight for the “truth” and belief in its importance was naive but was a great juxtaposition to the rampant manipulation of everyone else. It was a little frightening to see how easily all bureaucracies could be manipulated given that their agenda is all the same - survival.

“It was a bureaucrat’s dream. Profound, inevitable, and unmeasurable results manifest in the distant future that they could take credit for now and never be held accountable for later.”

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone that loves this genre.

"An espionage/medical mystery novel," this gripping tale intertwines the high-stakes world of espionage with a compelling medical mystery. As covert agents navigate a web of intrigue and danger, they uncover a sinister plot involving groundbreaking medical research. With each twist and turn, the tension escalates, blending suspense and scientific intrigue seamlessly. This novel keeps readers on the edge of their seats, offering a thrilling journey through the shadowy realms of international espionage and the complex world of medical science. Perfect for fans of fast-paced mysteries and intricate plots, it's a must-read that promises to captivate from start to finish.