Plague Ship (A Ballineau/Ross Medical Thriller)
An onslaught of seasickness on a luxury Caribbean cruise is the first sign of trouble in Goldberg's vigorous, suspenseful sequel to 2012's Patient One. Dr. David Ballineau, an emergency room chief at a prominent Los Angeles hospital who's aboard the Grand Atlantic with his nurse girlfriend and his 11-year-old daughter, must help the boat's small medical staff cope with those stricken. One by one, the travelers become gravely ill with more dire symptoms: coughing, congestion, and high fevers. Arrogant and pugnacious passengers demand cures. Panic ensues as people start to die, prompting the crew to mutiny and take over the Grand Atlantic. A pandemic could result if the ship is allowed to land. No ordinary physician, Ballineau is a Special Forces veteran of the jihadist war in Somalia 20 years earlier, with the knowledge and physical skills to deal with any emergency, including the over-the-top villains who help give this thriller the quick punch of a comic book. Agent: Scott Mendel, Mendel Media Group. (Oct.)