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Bats and bearded dragons, raccoons and baby goats-animals are our fellow Earth creatures. But they pose a threat. Each species harbors invisible microbes, ready to leap into human bodies. In the ten short medical thrillers and one graphic poem of "Microbial Mysteries," public health disease detectives are challenged by mysterious outbreaks from zoonotic viruses, bacteria, and parasites.
The story collection includes MayaVerse prequels over four decades of disease investigations with veterinary epidemiologists like Maya Maguire and other public health specialists.
"El Chinche" (1993) introduces Maya's mentors, Nancy Bingham and Fred Grinwold, at the start of their public health careers along the Mexican border. The story received an award from the Arizona Mystery Writers.
"SARS" (2003). Nancy Bingham takes the lead in investigating Arizona's first coronavirus infection while struggling to maintain her long-distance relationship with Fred Grinwold.
"Firenze" (2019). A hard-driving immigrant from El Salvador juggles his acclaimed Tucson restaurant, a new relationship with a county epidemiologist, and his pet bearded dragon.
"What's Within" (1983-1984). At the epicenter of the AIDS epidemic in New York City, the public health career is launched for Faye Simpson, future veterinary mentor for series protagonist, Dr. Maya Maguire.
"MERS" (2013). Faye Simpson hops the pond to London and Saudi Arabia for the emergence of coronavirus in camels and spillover to humans.
"P駻dida" (2014-2019). In this reverse narrative story, a young mother in New York City struggles with the mysterious hospitalization of her five-year-old daughter; Faye Simpson finds the answer.
"Cruel, Cruel, Cruel" (1992-1993) is a prequel for Chinese characters in the MayaVerse.
"Ringer" (2023). This graphic poem provides a snapshot of the COVID pandemic.
"Bandit" (2018-2019). Class differences in Washington, DC influence the outcome of infection with a dangerous neurologic parasite.
"Eruption" (2019). A teenager visiting Santa Fe joins a young man on an ill-fated trip to a New Mexico hot spring.
"Road Not Taken" (2020). In this alternative history story, a mother attempts to find Christmas Eve joy during an ice storm and the COVID pandemic. But her world has been altered from ours because Pope John Paul II did not survive the May 13, 1981 assassination attempt.
Interview with the Author
Q: How do the shorter works in this volume relate to the alphabetical novels?
A: "Microbial Mysteries" is Book Zero in the microbial mystery series. Through prequels and side stories, it introduces readers to many compelling characters in the alphabetical novels. It also expands the universe of microbial challenges and how disease detectives tackle them.
Q: Have you always wanted to be a writer?
A: A career in public health can include scientific writing and communication. But even before my training as a veterinarian, I wrote a satirical newspaper and a romance novel. In recent years, I've focused on creative writing as a way to entertain, educate, and enlighten.
Q: Why do you write your MayaVerse series of microbial mysteries?
A: Disease from animals-zoonoses-make up most emerging disease threats. As we've experienced in recent years, there's been one scary disease after another.
Q: What authors do you read or admire?
A: Standouts are Tony Hillerman for his southwest-based mysteries and Tess Gerritsen for medical thrillers.
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Most authentic book compilation on the Oregon Trail I ever read. The way the diaries are brought to life from over 170 years ago is a remarkable achievement. Top book of year so far for me for today June 01, 2024 review Candice
This author is a breathe of fresh air in a world of lies and coverups. He brings ancient writings and new science to bring light to mankind. In this amazing work, the well known plato stories from antiquity are now put alongside this new discovery of tablets from beginning of time. This is the most complete explanation of Atlantis every brought to the public. Shame on the governments of Egypt and the world for hiding WHO BUILT THE PHYRAMIDS OF GIZA AND THE SPHINX. Once I read this book I knew why they hid this knowledge. They don't want a population to know how great the world used to be compared to know.
Randomly stumbled upon this book and I am shocked that I haven’t heard about it before. It’s hands down the best story I’ve read in years. People need to read this book. It needs to be turned into a book. This story is just plain awsome. M
This soulful book of personal poetry brought me into the past and into the present---and into my heart.
Read the first book and this 2nd one did not disappoint! Loved every chapter. More please!