Viral

By: Robin Cook

Narrated by: Scott Brick, Robin Cook

In this electrifying medical thriller from New York Times best-selling author Robin Cook, a family’s exposure to a rare yet deadly virus ensnares them in a growing danger to mankind - and pulls back the curtain on a healthcare system powered by profit and greed.

Trying to find some normalcy during the COVID-19 pandemic, Brian Murphy and his family are on a summer excursion in Cape Cod when his wife, Emma, comes down with concerning flu-like symptoms. But their leisurely return home to New York City quickly becomes a race to the local hospital as she suddenly begins seizing in the car. At the ICU, she is diagnosed with eastern equine encephalitis, a rare and highly lethal mosquito-borne viral disease seemingly caught during one of their evening cookouts. Complicating the situation further, Brian and Emma’s young daughter then begins to exhibit alarming physical and behavioral symptoms, too.

Emma’s harrowing hospital stay becomes even more fraught when Brian receives a staggering hospital bill full of outrageous charges and murky language. To add insult to injury, his health insurance company refuses to cover any of the cost, citing dubious clauses in Brian’s policy. Forced to choose between the ongoing care of family and bills he can never pay, and furious at a shockingly indifferent healthcare system, Brian vows to seek justice. But to get to the bottom of the predatory practices targeting his loved ones and countless others, he must uncover the dark side of an industry that has strayed drastically from its altruistic roots - and bring down the callous executives preying on the sick and defenseless before the virus can claim even more people....

©2021 Robin Cook (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Well thought-out and the characters are interesting and relatable. It is also fast-paced and easy to read. I enjoyed it and am eager to read another of Cook’s novels.” (Mystery and Suspense)

“I love Robin Cook novels and this one is another good one. It incorporates not only COVID but the whole US health care system, which needs a major overhaul to help out every American citizen. The characters and story are well-written and you feel for Brian throughout the story and the plight he goes through.” (Red Carpet Crash)

Not the typical Robin Cook book.

If you are getting this thinking it will be like the previous books, you are wrong. This book is very different and amazing.

During the preface and 1st chapter we learn about the mosquitoes and issues regarding them. This story is more about the Healthcare industry and crazy billing practices all during Covid 19.

The characters are well written. The story makes you angry and sad all at the same time. It was not predictable at all and the ending was definitely a shocker.

I do highly recommend this book. It was hard to stop as I was on the edge of my seat wanting to know the resolution. Kudos to Dr. Cook!

Meh

One of the most boring Robin Cook’s books: terribly repetitive, unimaginative, predictable, unrealistic, with a plot based on absurd notions related to hospital billing. Sorry, having worked in electronics hospital billing for years, the whole pretext for this book’s existence is unfounded. Although I agree that the USA needs a total revision of its healthcare system, and nationalized health care coverage of quality is extremely necessary, even as bad as things are now, they do not include demands for payment and collection agencies involvement the same day or even a few days from services rendered.

good read

loved it. cook never disappoints in details. eye for an eye approach. mission planned and carried out

Love hate book

This book builds so many emotions throughout. A well written slap of reality!!! Robin at his best as usual!!!

Amazing but sad

Amazing story. Completely heart wrenching that this is actually happening all over the United States

Loved the Theme

Really enjoyed this book, the narration, the Story and the timing of what is happening in our health System is Spot on! Also so many ways this pandemic has affected us as a people.

great read but not the best by this author

As usual, narrator made even the bogged down descriptive scene setting interesting. The story held my interest throughout and I could not stop listening. This is a story that felt very true, despite the exaggerated details.

Awesome book!

This was my first Robin Cook novel. I couldn't stop listening. A definite must read!!!

Beware of Bugs

Going outside? Better bathe in bug repellent, you'll need it after reading Viral. Excellent yarn, with some political over tones but all in all a fun listen.

so real

this is an excellent description of Corpoate Health care in fiction form. Great story line.