Labyrinth of Terror

Praise

“Richard Wenzel’s Labyrinth of Terror combines science and suspense in a thrill ride you won’t soon forget. Like Patricia Cornwall and Richard Preston, Wenzel—a world expert on infectious diseases and darn handy with a pen—applies technical detail in just the right measure while his international sleuths (microbiologists and an MI-5 agent) ply the edge of terror to head off a potential virulent epidemic. You won’t put this book down!” —Dean King, author of Skeletons on the Zahara and Unbound

“This fast paced story of intrigue and bioterror is all too plausible, and it is a page turner. What makes this fascinating reading is the crucial role of scientists and epidemiologists in place of the usual sleuths in unraveling the who-done-it; there are only a few people in the world who have Richard Wenzel’s deep insight and expertise in this area, and fewer still who could have brought forth a compelling novel out of that knowledge.” —Abraham Verghese, author of Cutting for Stone

“At the hands of author Richard Wenzel, today’s fears become tomorrow’s headlines. When antibiotic-resistant pathogens strike a London hospital, researchers suspect the worst: a microbial hacker has manipulated staph cells into a bio-weapon of terrifying potential. American epidemiologist Jake Evans and MI5’s Elizabeth Foster pursue their quarry at a fevered pace, racing like the pulse of one of the infected victims but always a plot twist behind. This is a tale of cross-border intrigue told by a storyteller who knows from the inside this frightening world of infectious diseases and their threat to our society.” —Nelson D. Lankford, author of Richmond Burning and Cry Havoc!

“Labyrinth of Terror, Richard Wenzel’s suspenseful new medical thriller, deals with a threat as real as today’s headlines. The action is nonstop as bioterror and politics collide to produce a rogue designer bacterium, drug-resistant and set to spread. Microbiologist Chris Rose and Epidemiologist Jake Evans must use all their medical expertise, exploiting cutting-edge technology to trace and understand the illness. But meanwhile, the bacterium’s developers remain at large, preparing to release a pandemic. Then intelligence officer Elizabeth Foster, whose mission is to find the terrorists and disrupt their plans, enlists the doctors’ help. The three join forces for a heart-stopping chase across two continents, a chase during which Jake falls for the beautiful Elizabeth—hard. Labyrinth of Terror is a thrilling medical procedural, and so much more, as Wenzel, an internationally recognized epidemiologist, shares his knowledge of how researchers track and contain communicable diseases. Wenzel weaves a riveting medical mystery that takes us right into the lives and minds of today’s microbe-hunters—and also into their hearts.”  —Dierdra McAfee, member, National Book Critics Circle

“In this gripping tale author Richard Wenzel has crafted a frighteningly plausible tale of germs gone wild. Based on his own experience as one of the world’s most respected infectious disease detectives, his story exposes the consequences of what could happen if the microbial survival tactics designed by nature were combined and exploited by human terrorists. Beware—this is not a science fiction novel. It is a sobering reminder of what is possible today.” —Julie L. Gerberding, former director, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

“Labyrinth of Terror is a debut novel written by an infectious disease expert who brings cutting-edge medical and molecular microbiology into his story.  The set-up is simple: there is an outbreak of dangerously antibiotic-resistant Staphyloccal infections at a London hospital, and three characters with complementary areas of expertise work together to find the source and stop the spread.  Early on, there is suspicion that this outbreak is not a natural occurrence.  Motivation for the villain(s) is provided by ancient grievances from the Middle East, and author Wenzel spends lots of time going into historical background.” —Amy Rogers on ScienceThrillers.com

“Dr. Wenzel has created the perfect blend of action, suspense, gore, and passion.  A wild ride from start to finish that anyone in or out of the medical field would enjoy.  Highly recommended.” —JMP on Amazon.com

“This is the best book I’ve read in a long time.  Once I started I couldn’t put it down.  Dr. Wenzel weaves a magnificent story filled with all the things that make a great adventure—think Richard Preston’s Hot Zone meets Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code—only much better!!  A must-read!!” —Kara E. on Amazon.com

“I really enjoyed this book.  It is a suspenseful medical thriller written only as an infectious disease epidemiologist could do it and yet it appeals to the masses.  There are impressive details [sic], interesting twists and turns, and complex characters that we can relate to.  Perhaps some of the sex is gratuitous but that is part of the appeal to the masses.  My only complaint is that it is too short.  I turned the pages so quickly that I finished it in one plane trip.” —Jaybird on Amazon.com

“This is an engaging, realistic thriller that was a page turner.  The novel portrayed good character development, descriptions that led to clear mental images of the scenes and a perspective on bioterrorism that seemed all too plausible due to completely predictable gaps in human behavior.  The book was thoroughly enjoyable and clearly set up to become a series.  I look forward to the next adventures provided by the talented Dr. Wenzel.” —Cindy on Amazon

“A fast-paced thriller set in the world of medical bio-terror, made all the more plausible by the fact that the author is an actual doctor who specializes in infectious diseases.  This brief volume has a lot going for it, with a very timely topic and many well-rounded characters that have you alternately hating and being sympathetic of some dastardly people,  Ultimately it feels like more of an introduction than a full-novel so hopefully Wenzel will return with a 2nd novel that takes the characters and story even further.” —Noah Scalin on Amazon

“Labyrinth of Terror is a suspenseful page turner that you will not want to put down.  It is a fast paced novel that keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end.  Wenzel does a wonderful job of creating well-developed characters that grab your interest- you can’t wait to find out what happens to them next! I would definitely recommend this book to everyone!  Can’t wait to read more from this author…”  —Laura P. on Amazon.com

“A biological attack is unseen, and by virtue, completely terrifying. Labyrinth of Terror tells the story of the King’s College Hospital in London and the biological attack that has infected numerous post-op patients and seems to spread through the culture. Racing to find a cure and find who is responsible, two biologists and a special agent must race against the clock. Labyrinth of Terror is a fine and solidly recommended read, not to be missed.” —Midwest Book Review