Spasm is the latest Jack and Laurie medical thriller from Robin Cook. In this one, the two forensic scientists are asked to visit Essex Falls in upstate New York to assist with an autopsy. Locals are dying of two mysterious diseases. One kills swiftly. The another acts like Alzheimer’s but with younger victims and quicker onset.
In the meantime, a newly formed local alt right militia has invited four foreign nationals to help train their small group. However, the trainers are actually Russians who are in America to test a new bioweapon that they are creating in their garage. Can Jack and Laurie figure out what is causing the mysterious deaths and catch the villains in time to prevent more deaths?
Surprisingly, all of the plot that I describe above is revealed in the beginning of the book. Then Spasm just plods on. There is no dramatic tension at all. I am so disappointed. 3 stars for a good idea that is just wasted by the ineffective pacing and the poor timing of the reveals.
Thanks to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for providing me with an advanced review copy.