Review: Category Five

Here's a new twist on a relatively old idea. A big storm builds up in the southern Atlantic, hence the title. The storm threatens to take out several cities on the shore, including Washington, D.C., and New York. But the storm acts a little weird and becomes a super mega storm that threatens the entire East Coast of the US. The storm is the big 600 lb. gorilla in this book. But there is a supporting cast.

Donovan Nash is the leader and unheralded funder of a specialized research team called Eco-Watch. They study natural phenomena and the effect of mankind's interference in the normal heating and cooling rhythms of the planet. He's big, good-looking, has an interesting and mysterious past, and he's frightened to death of the ocean.

Dr. Lauren McKenna works for some semi-secret government agency also involved in weather research and long range forecasting. She's young, sexy and single. She's in love with Nash. As the storm builds over Bermuda, some irrational humans target Dr. McKenna. Enter D. Nash, to rescue her from the assassins and the storm. Turns out they are estranged lovers. Why they are estranged is due to their unwillingness to communicate in the most basic way. A little basic Q and A here and there would have been no novel. Or at least no conflict. But this is a powerful thriller anyway. Most readers will overlook a few missteps like that one and a coincidence or two, and the over use, at times, of capital letters to make a point.

CATEGORY FIVE is a terrific fast-paced thriller of a novel. The mystery is well-handled and the characters are likeable and attractive. There are a couple of interesting twists that help keep ones interest at a peak level. As the author gains in understanding of his readers and in sophistication of handling complex subjects, he will make some noise in the genre. Good going.

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Carl Brookins - RAM

Book Review: Category Five