Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner
Devil's Workshop
Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Stephen J. Cannell
Class/Genre: Mystery Thriller
Morrow, Sep 1999, $25.00, 416pp
Her beloved husband Max was working on a special project at Fort Detrick when USC doctorate student Stacy Richardson faced the Quals board. However, her sister-in-law Joanne interrupts Stacey's efforts to move one major step closer to obtaining her Ph.D. when she arrives to inform her that Max committed suicide. A stunned Stacy refuses to accept the Army position that Max killed himself.
Stacy and Joanne fly to Maryland to claim the body and to learn the truth. The first she learns from post commander Colonel Chittick is that the Army cremated Max, based on his request. Stacy feels that the Army is hiding something from them and soon realizes someone murdered her spouse. The trail takes her to a prison in Texas where illegal experiments in biological warfare are going on that soon goes awry, causing dangerous havoc, insanity, and death. As Stacy continues her inquires, the Army tries to work a massive cover-up while a religious fanatic plans to gain control of the weapon in order to start an ethnic cleansing campaign that rivals that of Pot and Hitler.
DEVIL'S WORKSHOP proves the depth of talent that author and TV producer Stephen J. Cannell possesses. The story line never gives readers a moment to catch their breath as the suspense and accompanying tension mount to extraordinary levels. However, the characters are the key to the tale as the military leaders, especially Fort Detrick Base Commander Rear Admiral Zoll strongly feel they are doing the right thing even if its' is illegal and unauthorized. Fans of doomsday thrillers will take much pleasure from Mr.Cannell's newest novel.
Harriet Klausner
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner
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