Immortal Red

By: Keith Hummel

Narrated by: B.J. Harrison

Immortal Red is the story of Turritopsis dohrnii, a dime-sized jellyfish with a bright red stomach and the gift of immortality. A marine biologist snorkeling off the coast of Cape Fear, North Carolina makes a chance discovery of this unusual creature. At the moment of death, due to old age or massive trauma, Turritopsis has the ability to fully rejuvenate and emerge as a young adult. After observing numerous repetitions of this phenomenon in her lab, the scientist nicknames the little invertebrate Immortal Red.

A search for funding leads her to the octogenarian head of a shadowy black-ops division of the CIA. A scientific breakthrough, discovery of ulterior motives, and a subsequent attempt to hide success put the scientist and her CIA husband on the black-ops hit list. Fearing the worst, she transfers cryptic clues to the research to her daughter Chloe with disastrous results.

Chloe, a graduate student, is now a designated terrorist on the run with her mother's research journal, a large squarish key to God-knows-what, and a 22-year-old Airedale Terrier with more lives than a cat.

She finds aegis in the person of Thomas Whitefeather, a retired marine veteran who owns a café in a small North Carolina town. Thomas, a Cape Fear Indian, the last survivor of a tribe that disappeared two centuries ago, is all too familiar with the jellyfish.

Nick Caedwallen, PhD in ancient history and archaeology, took a wrong turn somewhere and became the go-to guy for what the CIA jokingly refers to as the PDD or Plausible Deniability Department, resolving problems that the rest of the clandestine services find "too hot to handle."

Nick has been dispatched to recover the research data and deal with the Spencer girl. A revelation regarding his own mortality and the realization that he has strong feelings for his target places him on a collision course with his old boss and the full resources of the black-ops organization.

©2023 Keith Hummel (P)2023 Keith Hummel

A loved thriller

Loved the story line. I really made a connection with Nick and Lucy. The research and medical terminology throughout the book was well researched and developed which made the story even more interesting. I am hopefully for a sequel in the future.

Immortal Red Read

"Immortal Red" by Keith Hummel introduced me to a world of intrigue and suspense as a private U.S. security firm embarks on a high-stakes hunt for a woman whose pioneering research could hold the key to immortality. Set in the early 2000s, the story revolves around Dr. Karen Spencer's fascination with Turritopsis dohrnii, a unique species of jellyfish capable of transforming themselves to maintain youthful vitality. As Karen probes into the jellyfish's remarkable properties, she becomes entangled in a dangerous web of espionage and deceit.

The story intertwines multiple perspectives, allowing me to explore the minds of compelling characters like Karen, her CIA psychologist husband Ted, and the enigmatic Basil Orlov, who oversees black ops missions for the agency. Hummel capably traverses the complicated dynamics between characters, revealing their motivations and ambitions as the plot unfolds.

The central conflict centers on Basil's relentless pursuit of Karen's research, which he envisions as a pathway to eternal youth. The tension escalates as Basil's ambitions grow increasingly sinister, and his quest for immortality drives him to target the Spencers' daughter, Chloe. Chloe, along with a cast of allies including her uncle Don Bel Castro and CIA operative Dr. Nick Caedwallan, must cross a dangerous setting of peril and trickery.

Hummel interlaces a exciting tapestry of action and emotion, blending espionage with personal struggles. The subplot involving Nick's own history, including his involvement in past assassinations and his battle with cancer, adds depth to the narrative and humanizes his character.

"Immortal Red" captivates readers with its intricate plot twists, well-crafted characters, and exploration of ethical dilemmas surrounding the quest for eternal life. Hummel's debut thriller is a rollercoaster ride of suspense that will leave readers pondering the boundaries of scientific exploration, morality, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.

Nice combination of natural and health sciences and spies

Most stories read by BJ Harrison are enjoyable, and this one has a good story to go along with it!

A powerful, detail-packed, literary experience

A rich mixture of science and relationships with touches of history to deepen the experience. Each character emboding differing levels of depth, relatable yet emotionally discernable. The true essence of Hummel's writing is in the details. For a true fictional experience, read this book. It will keep you wanting more.

Poor modulation on narration

I was psyched for this, since it involved life extension. But the story was lame, and while listening to it in my car I had to keep adjusting the volume since the narrator kept changing his voice level.